Riggs to continue serving students as Vice President for Academic Affairs

(Hastings, Nebraska) – The first in his family to graduate college, Dr. Wayne M. Riggs developed a passion for higher education and the profoundly positive effect it can have on young people as he made his own educational journey. Riggs moved to Hastings from Florida earlier this month to serve as the new Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean at Hastings College.

“Education is transformative, and through my own journey I developed a joy for serving students and for engaging in the educational stewardship of our communities,” Riggs said. “Hastings College is such a vibrant learning community, and the city itself is so supportive of the College. I’m grateful to be here and to be part of it all.” 

Riggs accepted the position in January, and began sitting in remotely on some meetings, or in person if he was in Hastings, as he finished out his time as Dean of Graduate and Education Programs at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, a position he held since 2019. He also served in several administrative and faculty leadership positions at Flagler, including Dean of Flagler-Tallahassee, inaugural Dean of the School of Humanities and Sciences and chair of the multi-disciplinary Humanities Department. He began his time at the school in 2007 as an associate professor of history.  

“Throughout his career, Wayne has built dynamic educational programs while supporting students and leading in a way that builds trust among students, faculty and staff,” said Hastings College President Dr. Rich Lloyd. “He is a true believer in the power of education and the liberal arts, and the rewarding experiences that come with being involved in your community. We are thrilled he is here.”

Riggs holds a PhD in history and an MA in European history from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a BA in history from Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania. He is an avid fan of English football (Arsenal), American football (Steelers), college basketball (Marquette), lacrosse and all things Broncos.

As a scholar and teacher, Riggs focuses on World War I and children’s history, as well as experiential learning opportunities through travel. 

“I also want to thank Dr. Kittie Grace for serving as interim Dean for Academic Affairs over the past year, and to Dr. Bob Amyot for serving as interim Associate Dean of Academic & Student Affairs,” Lloyd said. “Both were instrumental in moving us forward this year.”

Grace will move back to her role as professor and Associate Dean of Academic & Student Affairs, while Amyot will return to full time teaching.