With more than three decades of experience in strategic, operational, and general management, and Christian higher education, Hayles joins Roberts Wesleyan and Northeastern Seminary from New Jersey’s Pillar College, a private evangelical Christian institution where he served in various roles since 2019, including chief operating officer, executive vice president and most recently as president for the past two years.

Prior to his time in Christian higher education, Hayles served in the United States Air Force as an officer before transitioning to the private sector to support organizations with strategic management, executive coaching, and advancement for more than 25 years. He worked with organizations such as Cytec Industries, Prudential Financial, and Merck Pharmaceutical. Outside of academia, Hayles fostered his calling to Christianity through community and engagement as a chief operating officer of Christ Church (10,000 parishioners) and executive pastor of Life Christian Church (3,500 parishioners), both in New Jersey.

Reporting directly to the President, Dr. Sonnette Bascoe will provide strategic direction to the University's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, giving direct attention to the institution's policies, practices, structures, climate, and culture. Through the design and facilitation of diversity initiatives, services, and resources, they will support staff, faculty, and administrators in advancing diversity, equity, and belonging in all aspects of the campus.

Dr. Bascoe will work collaboratively with the President and campus leaders, guiding initiatives to foster a welcoming and inclusive campus environment for all constituents, with a particular focus on academic offerings and continued campus education and training.  

Dr. Bascoe serves as Assistant Professor of Psychology and has served on the Roberts Wesleyan Academic Diversity Committee, Task Force for Diversity Education and Change (Chair), Racism in Enrollment Advisory Council, and the Resource Group for Race and Ethnicity (Co-Chair). Dr. Bascoe also founded the Roberts Wesleyan Undergraduate-Graduate BIPOC Mentor Program.