About Dr. David Cockrum

Provost and Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs
Professor of Psychology

David L. Cockrum completed his bachelor of arts degree with a major in psychology from the University of Arizona in 1968, and his Ph.D. from the University of Arizona with a major in social psychology in 1978. He joined the Sul Ross community in September 1974.

He has served Sul Ross as a professor and chair of the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, and he now holds the position of Provost and Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs. While he teaches one course per semester, he devotes most of his time to administrative duties including involvement with all aspects of the student/faculty relationship.

His specialization in social psychology has led him to serve on committees and boards in various organizations. He is currently a board member for the Rancho Valmora Residential Treatment Center in New Mexico and chairman of the board of the High Frontier Residential Treatment Center in Fort Davis, Texas. In 1986-88 he served as president of the Texas Council of Child Welfare Boards.

He has not only contributed to the improvement of higher education in the university classroom setting, he has also conducted extensive research to contribute to 13 publications and delivered more than 20 papers on group decision making, cross-cultural comparisons of personality needs of small business managers and other topics.

The most recent publication, "Institutional Sharing of Telecommunications Resources: The Program of Big Bend Regional Medical Center, Sul Ross State University and Presidio Rural Health Clinic," was released in 1995.

In his efforts to create a positive learning environment and provide a positive role model for anyone wishing to pursue higher learning, Cockrum has been accorded various awards and recognitions. In recognition for his efforts to help students meet and exceed their higher education goals at Sul Ross, he was named Outstanding Faculty Member in 1986. Outside the university, Cockrum was recognized as Volunteer of the Year by the Texas Council of Child Welfare Boards in 1987.

In providing educational opportunities within the tri-county area, he has been instrumental in initiating the Distance Learning Program. The program allows classes to be broadcast via video conference to rural areas such as Presidio, Van Horn, and Iraan, Texas. This program gives people the opportunity to take classes without the expense of commuting and allows for professional and personal growth in the isolated areas of West Texas.

He is also active in the Alpine Community along with other area communities. He is a member of the Kiwanis and served as president in 1978-79. He speaks to area organizations and encourages cooperative efforts with the university and all surrounding communities.

Cockrum encourages the recruitment of prospective area students to allow them to adjust to the transition from high school to college life. In keeping with the university's "student centered campus" philosophy, he maintains an open door policy.

He plays handball and enjoys his hobby as an amateur radio operator.