Canty Appointed Acting Dean of Students at OBU

January 7, 2000

Bobby Canty, associate dean of students at Oklahoma Baptist University, has been named acting dean of students, announced OBU President Mark Brister.

Canty filled the position effective Jan. 1, following the resignation of Dr. Doug Melton, OBU dean of students. Melton, who had been head of the university's student development programs since May 1993, moved to the pastorate of Southern Hills Baptist Church in Oklahoma City.

Canty has worn a number of hats since joining the OBU administrative staff in 1984. The former Shawnee Middle School principal as been athletic director, tennis coach, softball coach, director of student services, interim dean of students and career planning center director.

"Bobby Canty will serve effectively in the role of acting dean of students," said John Parrish, OBU executive vice president. "He brings significant experience at OBU and in the student development area to this position. We are pleased to have someone with his qualifications on staff to make the transition as seamless as possible."

"I appreciate the administration's confidence in me to function in this role while a search for a dean of students is being conducted," said Canty. "I look forward to working not only with the students and the student development staff, but with the entire university family. I also look forward to the challenges this position presents."

Prior to coming to OBU, Canty served as principal at SMS for four years. Before that, he taught high school mathematics, coached and served as an assistant principal at schools in Perry, Fla., and Pascagoula, Miss.

The Pascagoula, Miss., native received a bachelor's degree from Florida State University and a master's degree in school administration from Mississippi State University.