Westminster University president set to retire after 40 years

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Westminster University president, Bethami Dobkin, is set to retire after serving in higher education for 40 years.

According to a press release, Dobkin is the longest-serving college president in Utah. She worked at Westminster for eight years as the university’s 19th president and led the transition from Westminster College to Westminster University.

“President Dobkin’s visionary leadership united our university community around Westminster’s shared values of high-quality inclusive education, integrity, and equality. Her dedication to transforming students’ lives to prepare them to navigate our increasingly complex world is remarkable,” said Preston Chiaro, Chair of Westminster University’s Board of Trustees.

During her time at Westminster, Dobkin launched the Mountain Sports Initiative, opened the Community Clinic and Training Center, achieved the competition of Florence J. Gillmor Hall and the construction of the L.S. Skaggs Integrated Wellness Center.

Dobkin also acquired IPSL Global Engagement, stated the press release, which expanded opportunities for Westminster students to engage in study abroad and service-learning experiences.

“Working together with faculty, students, staff, alumni, and our generous community has been the honor of a lifetime, Dobkin said. “After spending 40 years in service to higher education, I look forward to spending more time in California with my family in my retirement. Westminster will always hold a special place in my heart, and I look forward to continuing to serve the university through the end of this academic year.”

The press release stated that President Dobkin will continue to serve in her role through the end of the current academic year. Following that, Trustee Danny Giovale is set to be Dobkin’s replacement.