Columbia International University’s new dean of students has nearly two decades of experience in Christian higher education leadership.
Dr. Joseph Allotta has served in the areas of student development, pastoral ministry, and educational leadership. His most recent position was as an education associate with the South Carolina Department of Education’s Charter School Program while also teaching as a CIU adjunct professor.
Prior to that, he served for 10 years at Trinity College of Florida in a variety of leadership roles.
Allotta holds a Ph.D. in Leadership & Education Administration from Carolina University, a Doctor of Ministry and Master of Divinity from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Pastoral Ministry, Bible & Theology from Trinity College of Florida.
CIU Senior Vice President Dr. Michael Johnson says Allotta’s experience in leading student development initiatives and his ability to collaborate across campus will serve CIU well.
“Throughout his career, Dr. Allotta has consistently demonstrated a heart for equipping students to grow as disciples of Christ while creating environments where they can flourish in a Christ-centered community,” Johnson said.
Get to know Dr. Joe Allotta in the following Q&A:
What would you prefer to be called by the students? (Dean Allotta? Dr. Allotta? Joe? Dean Joe?)
I really don’t mind what I’m called. It seems that the culture at CIU is for students to use first names for many faculty and staff members. I certainly don’t mind being called “Joe.” I used to joke that if you ever see me wearing a suit or sport coat, it’s probably a moment to call me “Dr. Allotta,” but any other time, “Joe” is just fine.
What excites you the most about this job?
I am most looking forward to ministering to the student body. Throughout my time working at my previous Christian college, I also pastored a local church. I look forward to focusing all my time and energy in one place.
I was able to serve as a (CIU) adjunct professor this past year, and I had so many great interactions with CIU students and the campus community. There is already such a healthy environment here, and I am excited to work alongside so many dedicated faculty and staff members who are committed to impacting students with the Gospel.
What will be your priorities as Dean of Students?
This might sound a little simplistic, but I want students to have fun. I want them to have fun with friends, in the residence halls, on the weekends, in chapel, and whenever they’re on campus. I want students to enjoy being here, to miss it when they’re away, and to look back fondly on their time at CIU.
When you let your guard down enough to have fun, it means you trust the people around you. In that sense, fun and trust go hand in hand. To help foster that kind of environment, I want to do everything I can to create a safe community, empower student leadership, facilitate deeper relationships, and challenge students to live for Christ in every area of their lives.
How has God prepared you for this assignment?
I see the role of Dean of Students at CIU as encompassing three primary areas of oversight: student life, residence life, and spiritual life. My experiences in pastoral ministry and higher education, especially serving as a campus chaplain, chairing the discipline committee, and planning countless events, have directly prepared me for these responsibilities.
Over the years, I have certainly learned a great deal through my studies in Bible, theology, ministry, leadership, and education. However, I think I have learned even more by walking alongside students through challenging seasons of life. Those experiences have taught me how to love people more like Christ loves them. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow as I serve at CIU and have the opportunity to lead in this role.
Anything else you would like the CIU community and CIU alumni to know?
I love Christian higher education. Students are especially moldable during this stage of life as they prepare for their next steps, solidify their worldview, build deep and meaningful relationships, and form the foundations of their identity.
I believe it is imperative that Christ be at the center of each of these areas, and I believe CIU does an exceptional job of both explaining and demonstrating that truth. I am honored to join the legacy that CIU has built and to contribute to its continued mission as it enters its next century.
(Photo by Jonathan McGaha)
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