East Stroudsburg University Former Director of Residence Life Honored with Keepers of the Flame Award
East Stroudsburg, PA (10/30/2026) — East Stroudsburg University honored Robert M. Moses, former director of residence life, assistant dean of students, as ESU's recipient of the fifth annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Keepers of the Flame Award from Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE).
The Keepers of the Flame Award recognizes an individual from each of the 14 State System university campuses for their contributions to creating and promoting diverse, equitable and inclusive environments that cultivate a sense of belonging. Award recipients may be students, staff, faculty, administrators, or community members. They are members of the university who inspire others, engage in collaboration, and enact positive change. The annual award began in 2022. This year's awards were presented on October 28, during the PASSHE Summit, held at Kutztown University.
"The Keepers of the Flame Award recognizes people whose work makes a lasting difference for our students and university communities," said Christa Cobb, assistant vice chancellor and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. "This year's recipients have helped create opportunities for students to succeed, strengthened their campuses and demonstrated the impact that thoughtful, committed leadership can have on others."
Robert Moses is a longtime and deeply respected member of the East Stroudsburg University community who has dedicated more than four decades to the success, well-being, and development of ESU students.
Mr. Moses arrived at ESU in 1976 as an Assistant Dean of Students, where he was entrusted with managing the university's first coeducational residence hall. Over the course of his distinguished 42-year career, he became a steadfast leader in Residence Life and Housing, helping guide the university through significant periods of campus growth, student transition, and organizational change.
In 1998, Moses was appointed Director of Residence Life and Housing, a position he held with distinction until his retirement in 2018. During his tenure, he played an instrumental role in expanding living-learning communities and supporting the transition of housing vendor operations. His leadership consistently centered on creating residential environments where students could connect, develop themselves as leaders, and thrive.
His commitment to student affairs and higher education was recognized beyond ESU when he received the Dr. Suzanne S. Brown Distinguished Service Award from the Pennsylvania Student Affairs Conference in 2017, honoring his longstanding contributions and dedicated service.
Retirement, however, did not mark the end of Moses's service to ESU. He continued his commitment to the university through his appointment to the East Stroudsburg University Foundation Board of Directors, where he has continued to provide leadership, philanthropy, and support for the institution and its students. Most importantly, Moses's dedication to students has never been defined by a title or position. Even in retirement, he continues to give generously of his time, experience, and compassion. He volunteers with the Warrior Food Pantry, helping provide essential resources to students, and continues to mentor, encourage, and support students as they navigate their educational journeys and pursue their goals. He also serves on the UPI Board and previously served as secretary of the ESU Foundation's Executive Committee.
Mr. Moses embodies the spirit of a Keeper of the Flame. His service to ESU spans generations, and his commitment to students extends far beyond his formal career. Through mentorship, service, relationship-building, and a genuine belief in student success, he continues to strengthen the university community and inspire others to give back. His legacy demonstrates that the flame of service does not end with retirement-it is carried forward through the lives touched, students supported, relationships cultivated, and communities strengthened. Robert M. Moses has spent many years carrying that flame for ESU, and he continues to do so today.
More information about the commitment of the State System and its universities to cultivating diverse, equitable and inclusive environments is available on the PASSHE website.
Media Attachments
Dr. Santiago Solis, ESU VP of Campus Life and Inclusive Excellence; Robert Moses, former director of residence life, and ESU’s recipient of the Keepers of the Flame Award; and Christa Cobb, PASSHE Assistant Vice Chancellor and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer