Robert Stroker, Ph.D.

Dean and Vice Provost

Temple University

Dr. Robert Stroker is currently Dean and Vice Provost at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. He oversees the Boyer College of Music and Dance, The School of Theater, Film and Media Arts, The Temple University Performing Arts Center, academic programs in Los Angeles, London and Tokyo and has served as Dean of the Tyler School of Arts and Architecture. Here, he has provided strong leadership in strategic and academic planning, fundraising, alumni development, research/creative activity, and enrollment management. He has been directly responsible for academic and business operations for upwards of 3,700 students, 600 full- and part-time faculty and staff, and budgets up to $90 million.

Dr. Stroker established the Arts and Quality of Life Research Center at Temple University, which promotes research, advocacy, and training on quality of life issues. The Center has completed research and published findings related to the use of the creative arts to support individuals experiencing homelessness and those living with cancer, spinal cord injury, heart disease,  HIV/AIDS, and other medical conditions. Additionally, the Center has had several meta-analyses published by the Cochrane Collaboration, recognized as the gold standard in evidence-based health care. Dr. Stroker is also Founder and Executive Producer of BCM&D Records, which provides students with real-world experiences in recording and production, and has garnered five Grammy nominations.

Prior to his appointment at Temple University, he served for nine years in five different administrative leadership positions and as a tenured faculty member at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. He holds a Ph.D. in Music Education from Michigan State University; a M.M. from Penn State University; a B.M. in Education and Performance from Michigan State University and a Certificate in Leadership and Management in Higher Education from Harvard University.

Dr. Stroker has presented lectures, workshops and master classes and has conducted ensembles at international and national conferences and festivals in Asia, Europe, Africa, New Zealand, Canada and throughout the United States. He is recipient of numerous awards including the Distinguished Alumni Award from his alma maters, Michigan State University and Penn State University.