John Bookstaver, Ph.D., Named SCC Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

Published: 05/15/2017

St. Charles Community College has selected John Bookstaver, Ph.D., as the next vice president for academic and student affairs.

Bookstaver has spent more than 30 years in education, both in the classroom and in various leadership positions. He began his career teaching at Ursuline Academy, a private secondary school in St Louis. His connection to St. Charles Community College began in 1994 when he took two classes as a student. He began teaching chemistry at SCC in the fall of 1994 as an adjunct.

John Bookstaver, Ph.D., vice president of academic and student affairs at St. Charles Community College

He joined the full-time faculty ranks at SCC in 1998. While a member of the faculty, he served as program and department chair in chemistry and science, and served on or chaired numerous committees and task forces. He spearheaded efforts to construct new physical science and chemistry lab spaces beginning in 2007. John was selected Faculty of the Year by the St. Charles Community College Faculty Association in 2010, and was honored with the Emerson Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2010 as well as the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2011.

Bookstaver was named dean of the division of business, science, education, math and computer science in 2012. During his time as dean, departments in the division forged more than 30 articulation agreements with four-year institutions and developed several new degrees and certificates, including A.S. degrees in chemistry, biology, pre-pharmacy and computer science, as well as new stackable credentials in welding leading to an A.A.S. degree in general technology. He was named interim vice president for academic and student affairs in June 2016.

“Dr. Bookstaver brings to this position a wealth of knowledge and experience as both a faculty member and administrator,” said Barbara Kavalier, Ph.D., SCC president. “As his supervisor, I have been impressed by John’s leadership abilities, his integrity and his unwavering commitment to our college. He is the consummate professional, demonstrating a gentle yet skillful approach to teamwork and decision-making.”

Bookstaver holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees, one in philosophy from Cardinal Glennon College in St. Louis, and the other in chemistry from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He received a Master of Arts degree and his doctorate in chemistry from Washington University in St. Louis. Among the organizations of which he is a member are the American Chemical Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Chair Academy and the Missouri Community College Association.

St. Charles Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit stchas.edu.