Cambiano Appointed Assistant to the President

TAHLEQUAH -- Dr. Ron Cambiano, a 38-year veteran of Oklahoma education, has been appointed Assistant to the President for Special Projects at Northeastern State University.

Currently serving as assistant professor of Educational Foundations and Leadership, Cambiano will immediately begin to take an active role in community relations and act as a liaison to many of the universitys constituent groups, according to NSU President Dr. Don Betz.

Ron Cambiano has a longstanding involvement with Northeastern and a passion for higher education which makes him uniquely qualified to represent this institution, said Betz. He reflects very effectively Northeasterns commitment to enriching the communities we serve through initiatives that inspire partnerships, collaboration, and a spirit of lifelong learning. His dedication to the NSU community speaks for itself and will serve us well as the institution transitions into our second century.

While continuing to teach some of his current classes, Cambiano will also work closely with NSU faculty and staff in the development of special projects and other initiatives. His commitment to student success and community involvement will make the challenges of his new position particularly rewarding, Cambiano said.

I appreciate the opportunity to be involved in projects that promote a learning and caring environment, both within the university community and in the communities we serve, he said. It is a unique privilege to work once again with Don Betz, who inspired me to come to Northeastern in 1989 and who continues to inspire everyone with whom he works. We share many core values regarding education and service leadership.

Throughout his tenure at NSU, Cambiano has been an active leader on campus and served on numerous school and community task forces across the state. He was named Dean of Student Affairs by NSU President W. Roger Webb in 1989 and earned the 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Oklahoma College Student Personnel Association for his commitment to improving the college experience for students.

Before joining NSU, Cambiano served nearly a decade as superintendent of Tenkiller School, an independent Cherokee County rural school district. As president of the Oklahoma Rural Schools Association and a founding member of the Kettering Foundations Principal Leadership Institute for School Improvement, he demonstrated leadership in finding solutions for education through community involvement. Throughout his years in higher education, Cambiano has become recognized throughout the state and region for his expertise in leadership development and collaborative partnerships.

After receiving his bachelors degree in education from the University of Tulsa in 1970, he began his teaching career while completing a Master of Arts degree in Guidance and Counseling. Cambiano earned the Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership from the University of New Mexico. He teaches a variety of school administration courses at the graduate level, and is active with the University Assisted Community School Learning Network, among other organizations committed to academic based community service. He also actively participates in various local entities, including the Boys and Girls Club of Tahlequah, Save the Illinois River Board, the Cherokee Nation, and the Cherokee County Health Board.

8/19/2008

Published: 2008-08-19 00:00:00