Lander University announced today the promotion of Crystal Rookard to vice president and general counsel. She reports directly to Lander President Richard Cosentino, and plays a vital role in providing legal and strategic advice to the president, Board of Trustees and other senior administrators.
"I'm excited to be a part of the Lander University family," said Rookard. "My career passion is working for the public interest, and I firmly believe that education is a powerful means for self-improvement and improving our society."
Since joining Lander in 2017 as the university's first general counsel, Rookard has been busy making the position her own. In addition to developing an infrastructure for legal policies and procedures, she has also assumed supervision of the university's Office of Human Resources and has overseen the organization of the Diversity Advisory Council.
"In just over a year, Crystal has made a tremendous and positive impact at Lander," said President Richard Cosentino said, "She is well-versed in many of the important legal issues facing higher education today, and her experience working closely with students, faculty and administrators will continue to serve Lander well."
A graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law, Rookard has extensive experience in the areas of employment, government and higher education law. She has also conducted training courses on employee relations, human resource management, anti-discrimination, sexual harassment, supervisory training, Title IX, Clery Act, Campus SaVe Act and various workplace laws.
"Crystal Rookard has made a very positive impact at Lander since her arrival as general counsel just over a year ago," said Andy Benoit, Vice President for Enrollment & Access Management. "As a colleague, she has helped our divisions make strides in matters related to legal compliance, operational policy, human resources and staff development. Crystal has proven to be a consummate professional committed to helping our entire University community reach its potential."
She has also made an impact among Lander students.
Robert Kelly, of Aiken, served as Rookard intern during her first year at Lander. "Since meeting Ms. Rookard, she has instilled so much positivity in my life as well as other students on campus. She always has the most encouraging words or quotes to lift one's sprit, not to mention her room-brightening smile."