“Who Owns Community?” Keynote Speaker, Larry Roper, Ph.D.

December 6, 2013, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm, Goodwin Forum

You are invited to attend a keynote address by Larry Roper, Ph.D., Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Professor of Ethnic Studies at Oregon State University since 1995.

As our organizational life becomes more complex and busy, the likelihood of fragmentation and isolation among campus members increases. Conditions such as these call for greater attention to nurturing a sense of community. However, it is not always clear where responsibility for leading the development of campus community resides.

Our campuses, much like our cities, towns, states, and nation, need accountable leaders. At every level people are seeking connection, engagement, and nourishment. There is a powerful desire for community.  The challenge before us is to have leaders step forward and claim ownership for the condition of the space we share.

Dr. Roper, a native of Akron, Ohio, has an undergraduate degree from Heidelberg College, M.A. from Bowling Green State University, and Ph.D. from the University of Maryland.  He has held numerous positions in student affairs, including Director of Housing; Associate Dean of Students; Coordinator of Multicultural Affairs; and Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students.  He currently teaches courses in Speech Communications, College Student Services Administration, Ethnic Studies, and the Doctoral Program in Community College Leadership.  

Dr. Roper has more than 20 publications in the form of book chapters, journal articles, magazine articles, book reviews and monographs. He is co-editor of book, Teaching for Change: The Difference, Power and Discrimination Model.