Roslyn Artis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Roslyn Clark Artis
President of Benedict College
Incumbent
Assumed office September 1, 2017
Preceded by	David Swinton
President of Florida Memorial University
In office 2013 – September 1, 2017
Provost of Mountain State University
In office 2011–2013
Personal details
Born	(1970-06-16) June 16, 1970 (age 55) Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
Education	West Virginia State University (BA) West Virginia University College of Law (JD) Vanderbilt University
Occupation	Academic administrator lawyer

Roslyn Clark Artis was born on June 16, 1970. She is a very important leader in education. She is currently the 14th president of Benedict College. She is also the first woman to ever lead Benedict College. Before this, she was also the first female president of Florida Memorial University. Dr. Artis also helps advise the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security on education. She works with groups like the United Negro College Fund and the United Way. These groups help students and communities.

Growing Up

Roslyn Clark Artis was born in Springfield, Massachusetts. She grew up in southern West Virginia. She finished high school at Woodrow Wilson High School in 1988.

Her Education

Dr. Artis received a scholarship to attend West Virginia State University. She earned her first degree in Political Science in 1991. She then went on to study law. She earned her law degree from West Virginia University College of Law. Later, she earned a special doctorate degree. This degree was in Higher Education Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University. She also has special certificates in fundraising and learning assessment.

Her Career Path

Dr. Artis first worked as a lawyer for ten years. She worked for different law firms during this time. One day, a friend asked her to teach some classes. Even though she had no teaching experience, she said yes. She soon found that she loved teaching and working in education.

She decided to go back to school to earn her doctorate degree. This allowed her to work in education full-time. She started as a director for a legal studies program. Then, she became a Senior Academic Officer. In this role, she managed online learning programs. She also oversaw campuses in Orlando, Florida and Center Township, Pennsylvania.

In 2010, Dr. Artis became the chief academic officer at Mountain State University. This meant she was in charge of all academic decisions. She became the provost of the university in 2011.

Leading Universities

In 2013, Dr. Artis became the president of Florida Memorial University. As president, she brought in new technology. She also helped build new facilities. She focused on growing programs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). She also worked on cybersecurity and social justice programs.

In 2017, Dr. Artis became the president of Benedict College. She made college more affordable by lowering tuition by 26%. She also started a special event called the HBCU Sustainability Summit.

In 2020, she helped open the Women’s Business Center at Benedict College. This made Benedict College one of only two historically black universities in the United States with such a center. This center helps women in business succeed.

Personal Life

Dr. Artis is married to Selby Artis. He used to be an officer in the United States Army. He is also a businessman. They have three children named Christopher, Jayden, and Jocelyn.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis has received many awards for her work:

• In 2020, she was named “President of the Year” by Higher Ed Dive. This was for her strong leadership during a challenging year.
• In 2019, she was recognized as one of the “Top 35 Leading Women in Higher Education.”
• In 2019, the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. named her "2021 Educator of the Year.”
• In 2018, HBCU Digest named her “Female HBCU President of the Year.”
• In 2018, the South Carolina State Senate honored her. They recognized her for being the first female president of two colleges in the United States.
• In 2008, the West Virginia Department of Education honored her. This was for her work in human and civil rights.
• In 2000, the United States Congressional Black Caucus called her “A Leader in the Making."
• In 1999, President Bill Clinton recognized her for her public service. He named her one of “1,000 Points of Light.”

Media Appearances

Dr. Artis has appeared on various media platforms: