Hall of Fame
Dr. Roger L. Serr served Shippensburg University for 24 years in the division of student affairs. Serr spent 13 years as SU’s vice president of student affairs, spanning June 2005 until his retirement in 2018. In the vice president role, Serr provided supervisory oversight of the athletic department. Previously, Serr was SU’s associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students for 11 years, a term that began in August 1994.
In his work with student affairs, Serr was integral to helping advance the athletic department with numerous initiatives, including enhancements in staffing, facilities, and financial aid assistance. He was a steady, supportive presence at SU athletic events during his long tenure.
Serr put forth an incredible amount of behind-the-scenes efforts and lobbying on behalf of athletics. In the mid-2010s, Serr achieved a major boon for SU athletic teams after negotiating the acquisition of 125 meal plans designated for student-athletes via the campus dining contract.
Of special importance is Serr’s role in the advancement of gender equity within SU’s Department of Athletics. Specifically notable, Serr worked to create additional assistant coaching positions for women’s sports to assist with the university’s gender equity plan.
Serr was instrumental in the advancement of SU’s athletic facilities. Most noteworthy, he organized a source of annual funding for facilities projects through the SU Student Association (SUSSI). Additionally, Serr was active in providing the groundwork for funding turf projects at both Seth Grove Stadium and Robb Sports Complex and was also integral to the process that led to the installation of a wood floor in Heiges Field House.
In April 2018, Serr was recognized as the 2017-18 Raider of the Year. The Raider of the Year Award commemorates individuals who provide genuine support to the athletics department and work toward the betterment of all the intercollegiate athletic teams on campus.
The Raiders claimed three Dixon Trophies during Serr’s time as vice president of student affairs. The Dixon Trophy is awarded to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC)’s top overall athletic program.
An avid soccer fan and former basketball official, Serr has an endowed athletic scholarship through the SU Foundation.
Serr arrived at Shippensburg in 1994 after serving 10 years as the assistant director of residence life at Michigan State University. He also previously worked at the University of Connecticut, Western Illinois University and South Dakota State University.
Serr graduated cum laude from Northern State University in 1978 before earning his master’s degree from Western Illinois University in 1981. He received his doctorate in philosophy (Ph.D.) from Michigan State University in 1993 where he was the recipient of the Walter Johnson Dissertation Research Award.
Serr and his wife Konnie live in Carlisle and are the proud grandparents of four grandchildren.
