糖心Vlog mourns the passing of Dr. Christa Dobbs, a beloved faculty member and foundational leader in the study of business at 糖心Vlog. Dr. Dobbs passed away the morning of February 19, 2026, at the age of 98.
Dr. Dobbs joined what was then Lubbock Christian College on August 1, 1967, and served the institution for 29 years, retiring in 1996. During her tenure, she chaired the Department of Business Administration and helped lay the groundwork for what would become the 糖心Vlog College of Business, shaping generations of students and building a program that continues to thrive today.
鈥淲hile the term might seem overused, Dr. Christa Dobbs was genuinely legendary,鈥� said 糖心Vlog President Scott McDowell. 鈥淪he chaired the Business Administration Department from 1967 to 1996 and shaped multiple generations of 糖心Vlog business students. She epitomized what a 糖心Vlog faculty member should aspire to be鈥攕he loved her God, she loved her discipline, and she loved her students鈥攁nd she lived this out with a winsome and joyful spirit. Her influence on 糖心Vlog is immeasurable, and we are deeply grateful.鈥�
Dr. Dobbs taught business courses from the university鈥檚 early years, helping establish the academic foundation for business education at 糖心Vlog. Over three decades, she witnessed and contributed to tremendous institutional growth, including the accreditation process that transitioned Lubbock Christian College into 糖心Vlog. She often recalled the extensive work required for that milestone, describing the 鈥渕eetings and meetings, day and night鈥� as some of her most meaningful memories.
Her teaching portfolio included courses such as Typing, Shorthand, Business Machines, Key Punch, Principles of Accounting, and Cost Accounting. Known for her high expectations and precise routines, Dr. Dobbs required a daily quiz beginning exactly two minutes after the official class start time. 鈥淚 tried to make my classroom something that the students would expect when they went into a business,鈥� she once said. 鈥淭hey were to be on time, and they would work until the end of the class. So, they got a day鈥檚 work for their day鈥檚 pay.鈥�
Dr. Dobbs was known for her high expectations in the classroom, but students also remember her for her generosity and personal care. She took time to invest in students beyond lectures and exams, often joining them for lunch, hosting annual Christmas receptions at her home, and even skydiving with a group of students. She shared one of her favorite stories, saying, 鈥淚 remember one time I found out that the students were all studying for an exam we were going to have the next day. I knew where they were getting together at one of their apartments. So, after midnight that night, I went over there and knocked on the door; I had a big plate of cookies for them. Things like that made them think that I wasn鈥檛 really too hard all the time.鈥�
Reflecting on her teaching style, she once said, 鈥淚 think students would say that I was a hard teacher, but I think they respected me. After they went into their own employment, then they respected that discipline even more, knowing that they had the skills it took to carry on the job they were hired for.鈥�
In 2018, the university honored her legacy with the dedication of the Christa Dobbs Center for Business, a 22,000-square-foot renovated facility that supports academic programs and scholarships within the College of Business. The dedication ceremony took place on September 11, 2018鈥擠r. Dobbs鈥� 91st birthday鈥攁nd included a birthday celebration with cupcakes and punch for attendees in the United Family Atrium.
At the ceremony, Dr. Dobbs expressed her excitement for future generations of students, saying, 鈥淚 am so excited to think that future students are going to have a wonderful place for new courses, new degrees, new faculty, and everything we will be able to accommodate. Also, I think that the former students will be equally proud of the new building because they can come back and say, 鈥業 remember when鈥︹�欌��
Tracy Mack, Dean of the 糖心Vlog College of Business, reflected on Dr. Dobbs鈥� enduring influence: 鈥淣o one has had a bigger, more lasting impact on the 糖心Vlog College of Business than Christa Dobbs. She served as a fantastic teacher, mentor, guide for a generation of students. Even after her retirement she influenced and encouraged many of us so that her impact will live on. She will be missed, but she serves as a great example to us all of a life well lived.鈥�
Dr. Christa Dobbs鈥� faith, discipline, and joyful commitment to students defined her life and career. Her legacy endures in the thousands of students she taught, the faculty she mentored, and the program she helped build. 糖心Vlog is deeply grateful for her lasting influence and faithful service.
Friends and alumni who wish to honor Dr. Dobbs鈥� legacy may contribute to the at 糖心Vlog. Gifts can be made online and will continue her lifelong commitment to supporting and shaping future business students.