Hill College News

Hill College Welcomes Back Dr. Robert Riza

The start of the new year at Hill has brought the return of a familiar face. Dr. Robert K. Riza, former Hill College athletic director and student life director, has once again joined the Hill College family, this time, as the vice president of student services.

Dr. Riza returns to Hill College after serving a five-year stint as executive director of athletics and assistant vice chancellor for student services at Pima County Community College in Tucson, Ariz., one of the premier community colleges in the nation.

"I was fortunate to have worked [for Pima] and with the chancellor, Dr. Roy Flores, and the provost, Dr. Suzanne Miles," Dr. Riza said. "I hope to bring my experiences from student services at Pima to Hill College to help complete the transformation that has begun here."

Since returning, Dr. Riza has noted the changes around the college and says he senses a new attitude at Hill but still feels the same relaxed atmosphere that has always been here even when he was a student at Hill College in Cleburne.

"Dr. Kappus and I worked together very briefly before I left for Pima five years ago, and we had a good relationship," Dr. Riza added. "So, when this position became available, I saw [it] as a very good opportunity professionally."

Dr. Riza's educational background includes an associate's degree from Weatherford College along with his bachelor of science degree in exercise and sports studies from Texas Wesleyan University, his master's degree in secondary and higher education from Texas A&M-Commerce and his Ed.D. in higher education supervision, curriculum and instruction also from Texas A&M-Commerce. His professional experience ranges from basketball coach and admissions coordinator to student life director and executive AVC for student services from various institutions across Texas and Arizona.

While at Hill, Dr. Riza hopes to complete the student services transformation already underway, expand the University Center because it offers "great programs for our students to transfer to our university partners" and to continue to expand the community relations aspect of all campuses because "being involved in the local community is a great way to give back to the communities that support the college and often times offers assistance to those less fortunate than ourselves."

"I am excited about Dr. Riza rejoining the Hill College team," Dr. Sheryl Kappus, Hill College president, said. "His experience, professionalism and familiarity with the communities we serve will only enhance the long-standing tradition of excellence we are so proud of here at Hill College."

Dr. Riza and his wife, Cobette, have been married for 16 years. They have two children, Bobby and Cassidy, and they currently reside in Joshua.