Deborah Roark, director of grants and research, has been named associate vice president for sponsored programs and external relations.

In her 10 years at Texas Wesleyan, Roark has played an essential role in acquiring numerous grants for academic projects and other major university initiatives such as Title III.

“Debbie has been a tremendous asset to the university for many years, and this promotion represents the essential role that she plays at our institution,” said Provost Allen H. Henderson. “She works tirelessly on behalf of our students, faculty, community and Texas Wesleyan.”

Roark has helped the university obtain many grants for university programs as well as assisting faculty with their Sam Taylor Fellowship grants, summer camp grants to engage young students in academic pursuits and funds to help first-generation students.

She has also been instrumental in helping students through her involvement with the Hatton W. Sumners Scholars, TexPREP pre-freshman engineering program and the Upward Bound programs.

A familiar role

Roark will continue to pursue governmental and foundation funding opportunities to support ongoing academic programs, other university-wide initiatives and projects as well as provide oversight for all sponsored programs.

Her contributions can be seen in the Rosedale Renaissance project through fundraising and working with city and government officials throughout the planning process. Most recently, she was instrumental in obtaining $200,000 from the Crystelle Waggoner Charitable Trust for the new campus entryway.

Putting Wesleyan on the map

Throughout the years, Debbie has coordinated speaking engagements and civic activities with the mayor and other city officials. She has worked with congressional leaders and other legislators to make sure that Texas Wesleyan is always on their minds.

She understands the importance of building long-term relationships with our elected officials – at the local, state and federal levels – and community partners to benefit the university. 

She will continue to directly work with the president and Office of Advancement to facilitate advocacy efforts on behalf of Texas Wesleyan as the external liaison for the university with local, state, regional and national governmental and community constituencies.

Roark received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Maine and her Master of Business Administration from the University of North Florida. In December, she will receive her doctorate of education from Texas Wesleyan University as a member of the first graduating Ed.D. class.

A native of Maine, Roark now lives in Aledo with her husband, Jon. Their daughter, Abby, is a nursing student at TCU.