Dr. Tempress Asagba, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Reflects on Time at DBU

We asked faculty and staff to share their most impactful memories or moments from their time at DBU. With this, we wanted to take a moment to highlight our Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Dr. Tempress Asagba, and her DBU story.

Asagba has been serving as Dean of Students since 2018, but she first came to DBU as a freshman in the fall of 2004. When asked to share about her favorite moments, she focused almost entirely on the impact of mentoring on DBU’s campus.

“Mentoring is one of the most influential experiences that strengthened my professional growth,” Asagba explained. “I am grateful for the faculty and staff members who were intentional about taking time to meet with me and understand my passions and interests.”

While Asagba originally pursued a biology degree with the intention of attending dental school, “it was through an opportunity to work as a student worker on campus in the Cashier’s Office that God revealed hidden strengths in business and leadership.”

Asagba attributes much of her increased desire to lead and serve in the field of education as a direct result of being mentored by faculty and staff on campus.

More specifically, she mentioned an instance when she felt overwhelmed her junior year and professor Dr. Wilson prayed for her.

“It wasn’t a casual ‘how are you?’ but rather a genuine question. I responded that I was okay, but continued in tears. He sat and talked with me and prayed for peace in that very moment. Though I have many fond memories during my time here, Dr. Greg Wilson’s actions were a powerful example of the Christ-centered experience that students receive at DBU.”

This experience is something Asagba remembers as she approaches her role as Dean of Students. She sees her job as an opportunity to care for her students in unique ways.

“My goal as the Dean of Students is to serve as a source of encouragement and support to our student body. My job allows me the privilege to intervene in student’s lives in unique ways. Though not always easy, I am reminded of how God intervenes in our lives to guide us because of his love for us. I am excited about teaching and having the opportunity to know our students on a more personal level. Developing servant leaders means leading by example, and I am honored to do so.”