Robert Colvin

Background

About Robert Colvin

Dr. Bob Colvin serves as senior counselor to the president at Christopher Newport University and is in his 28th year at the University, and 48th year of service to the Commonwealth of VA. Previously, he was vice president for strategic initiatives, providing leadership across the university in identifying, developing, and executing institutional strategic opportunities on behalf of the president, and leading the university-wide strategic planning (Compass) project. In 2022-2023, he served as interim chief of staff where he was responsible for the administrative operations of the University. Before that served five years as vice provost (deputy chief academic officer). Bob previously served for seven years as dean of the College of Social Sciences. He served for five years as dean of the AACSB-accredited and nationally-ranked Luter School of Business. Bob served five years as the founding chair of the Department of Leadership and American Studies. He is a tenured faculty member who was voted by the CNU student body in 2005 as Professor of the Year. His Ph.D. research focus was in executive leadership. He has been a consultant to government agencies, non-profits, and private businesses in strategic planning, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness. He has served as a lobbyist representing organizations on matters pending before the Virginia legislature and governor’s office. Bob and a partner co-founded an employee benefits company, which was a highly successful business based in Richmond, VA, that served more than 200 client organizations, the largest single one of which had employees. The business grew for 11 years and then was sold to a national firm. Bob served in the cabinet of Virginia Governor Doug Wilder as interim deputy secretary of public safety, previously was executive director of the Virginia legislature’s State Crime Commission, was commissioner at the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, and headed Virginia’s Office of Consumer Affairs. He was chief deputy of the Montgomery County (VA) Sheriff's Office and had been a patrol deputy, patrol supervisor, and criminal investigator. His wife, Dr. Qingyan Tian, is a college professor who teaches cross-cultural and global leadership. Bob is a FAA licensed airplane pilot. He enjoys riding his large touring motorcycle and target shooting with handguns (not at the same time!).