Schwarzman Scholars names new Chief Student Affairs Officer

October 5, 2022

Schwarzman Scholars today announced that Dr. Raphael X. Moffett will be joining the program as the new Chief Student Affairs Officer and Associate Dean of Students at Schwarzman College this fall. He will oversee all student life on campus as our seventh cohort matriculates.

Dr. Moffett joins Schwarzman Scholars from Duke Kunshan University, where he’s worked since 2019 as the Dean of Student Affairs. In the role, he provided strategic leadership for student development initiatives and co-curricular programs for an international student population, composed of 22 provinces in China and 60 countries worldwide.

Lara Tiedens, Executive Director of Schwarzman Scholars, said: “Dr. Moffett is committed to providing students with transformative co-curricular learning experiences that allow them to grow personally, intellectually, and professionally. He prioritizes helping students understand who they want to be—not just what they want to do.”

Dr. Moffett said: “I’m excited to work with brilliant students from across the globe. I’m also looking forward to collaborating with the faculty and staff as the program continues to thrive, ensuring that students have the support and opportunity to become the best leaders and human beings possible.”

A native of Washington State, Dr. Moffett began his career in student affairs at Clark Atlanta University in 2002. Prior to joining Duke Kunshan, Dr. Moffett served as the Vice President for Student Services at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas and Vice President for Student Affairs at Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma. He brings more than 20 years of professional experience in progressive leadership roles at Trinity University, Morehouse College, Georgia State University, and Clark Atlanta University. Dr. Moffett received his bachelor’s degree in English from Washington State University. He earned his master’s degree and doctorate in Educational Leadership from Clark Atlanta University.

Dr. Moffett will be inheriting a robust student life community from the work of Melanie Koenderman, our inaugural Associate Dean of Students. The Schwarzman Scholars team is grateful for all that she has brought to the program.