“In his four years as dean of students, Robert has been a critical partner in advancing our mission of forming good men and good citizens,” said President Larry Stimpert. “He has made fundamental contributions to our efforts to ensure that our young men live lives of consequence and character. His leadership has also contributed to improvements in student retention and graduation rates. He will be missed by our students, our student life staff, our College’s faculty and staff members, all of his senior team colleagues, and me. While we regret his departure, we all wish him and his family the best as they begin this exciting next chapter of their lives.”
Dean Sabbatini arrived at Hampden-Sydney in 2015 as associate dean of students before becoming dean of students in March of 2017. During his tenure as dean, Sabbatini has led efforts to improve housing and residence life and to strengthen safety on campus via enhancements like security cameras and swipe card access to residence halls. Additional initiatives he has spearheaded have included an improved New Student Orientation program, an expanded array of service opportunities, the introduction of the College’s High Adventure outdoor education program, and the expansion of diversity and inclusion staffing and programming. His work has also led to significant reductions in Student Code of Conduct violations.
Dean Sabbatini and his team have been instrumental to the College’s ability to offer on-campus instruction during the ongoing pandemic, providing medical services, contact tracing, and meals and accommodations for isolated and quarantined students, and responding to countless questions from all of the College’s constituencies. Prior to Hampden-Sydney, Sabbatini served as dean of students at Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee.
“I want to thank Dr. Stimpert, the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, the entire Student Affairs division, parents, and most importantly the students for all your support,” said Dean Sabbatini. “I will always cherish the fond memories of Hampden-Sydney.”
Dean Sabbatini will assume his new role following the conclusion of the academic year. The College will share information about succession plans later this spring.