My Journey from the ‘e’: School of Engineering Alum Leads as Campus President
If success is defined by the accomplishment of an aim or purpose, then Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alum Robert Mock, EdD has achieved that status.
The 1990 School of Engineering alumnus clearly fulfills the University’s mission of developing “professionals, scholars and leaders who shape a changing world.”
Mock became Charlotte campus president of Johnson & Wales University in North Carolina in September. The Urbana, Ill. native began his journey in higher education at SIUE where he earned a bachelor’s in industrial engineering.
“The engineering program is the main reason I chose SIUE,” Mock recalled. “Its access to St. Louis offered the best of both worlds: rural and urban. I saw St. Louis as a natural professional transition location and regional partner for SIUE students.”
A true leader from the start, Mock’s undergraduate experience included such highlights as meeting his wife Bethany — a 1994 School of Business alum, winning Illinois’ Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Brother of the Year in ’90, being awarded multiple academic scholarships through student associations and the engineering program, among other accolades.
He also leapt into the professional setting by landing a paid co-op position with the Illinois Department of Transportation 
and a paid internship with Pepsi-Cola Co., while pursuing his engineering degree at SIUE. He has since earned a master’s and doctorate, and achieved a wealth of experience in business, the military and higher education.
“I value a diversified lifelong learning experience and understand that flexible, varied professional options are available to those who have qualifications in multiple areas,” Mock said. “All of my careers have contributed significantly to my success and in many instances overlapped. This provided additional opportunities that I previously would not have been able to recognize.”
As president of the Charlotte campus, Mock will use his varied skills to facilitate the new strategic plan, with special focus on enrollment management, fundraising, retention and campus life and student engagement.
Regarding the value of higher education, Mock says: “The more you learn, the more you will earn.” The lifelong learner encourages others to do the same and offers thoughtful advice to current students working toward achieving their academic, personal and professional goals.
- Get degrees in multiple disciplines to increase your employability and become “recession proof.”
- Find creative ways to say “yes.” Be a positive, collaborative team member and serve others.
- Develop a personal professional strategic career plan. Build a backup plan in case the variables of life occur.
- Take care of your mind, body and spirit.
Photos: Dr. Robert Mock, president, Johnson & Wales University Charlotte Campus.
Dr. Robert and Bethany Mock
