Hall of Fame
Dobbins served Southeast Missouri State University from 1991 through 2015, including as the University’s chief financial officer and treasurer until assuming the role of President in July 1999, a position he held until July 2015. During that time he worked with faculty, staff, students, alumni, executive staff and the Board of Regents to develop and achieve the vision and goals of the University while also championing intercollegiate athletics while embracing key leadership roles in the OVC’s governance structure.
Dobbins served as the Chair of the OVC Board of Presidents for three years while also making contributions with the OVC Finance Committee, the OVC Hall of Fame Committee and the Planning and Development Committee. Dobbins helped with the hires of two OVC Commissioners during this tenure, including Dr. Jon Steinbrecher in 2003 and Beth DeBauche, the first OVC female commissioner, in 2009.
Dobbins played a key visionary and support role in helping the OVC launch the OVC Digital Network, providing schools with high-definition video equipment to make it possible. In 1995, he was also involved with the OVC Board of Presidents in implementing a first-of-its-kind "Sportsmanship Statement" that promotes principles of fair play, ethical conduct and respect for one's opponent. The statement has become a model for others to follow across the nation and has answered the challenge of the NCAA Presidents Commission to improve sportsmanship in collegiate athletics.
On campus, Dobbins led transformative change in 2004 when the athletics teams shifted its nickname from Indians to Redhawks. The year-long process saw collaborative work with the Student Government, Faculty Senate, athletic boosters, the National Alumni Council, local Native Americans, news media and the Board of Regents. He also oversaw enrollment management strategies that increased enrollment from a low of 7,925 in 1994 to more than 12,000 students in 2015.