Volume 120 Issue 21 March 4, 2016
OrbitMediaOnline.com
Hasseler named 21st President Background in brief Education: • 1994 A Doctorate from Northwestern University School of Education and Social Policy. Emphasis in educational leadership, social policy, and teaching and learning processes. • 1984 A Master of Arts in Special Education from the University of South Dakota. Emphasis in learning disabilities. • 1977 A Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education from Calvin College.
Christine Holmes/ Black & Magenta Presidential Search Committee Chair Robert Patin, Chair of the Board of Trustees Harold Burlingame, President-Elect Susan Hasseler, and President Anne C. Steele at the Presidential Announcement Feb. 29. Christine Holmes Assignment Editor Within the glass walls of Muskingum University’s Roberta A. Smith University Library, Dr. Susan S. Hasseler was named the 21st president of Muskingum University Monday, Feb. 29, 2016. Hasseler succeeds current President Dr. Anne C. Steele when she officially takes office July 1. After serving for 16 years as Muskingum’s president, Steele announced her retirement in April, 2015. Since then, a presidential search committee formed with the goal of finding the ideal candidate that could best lead Muskingum University into the future. A task Search Committee Chair Robert Patin described to be daunting. “I said, ‘let me get this straight,’” Patin stated referring to the time he was asked to lead the
search. “‘You want me to head up a committee that’s going to find somebody to follow Anne Steele? What have I ever done to you?”’ Nearly one year, hours of meetings, research, and interviews later, the committee unanimously decided to appoint Hasseler as the next president. Chair of the Board of Trustees Harold Burlingame said Hasseler’s values are consistent with those of Muskingum University. “Her experience in academic leadership demonstrates a capacity to continue managing innovation and change,” said Burlingame. “She holds a vision of the many possibilities that Muskingum might address as we move into the future.” Hasseler recognizes the financial stability of the University, saying its use of careful and creative financial strategies are part
of what attracted her to it. “I think I’m coming into a place that is very strong financially and that I intend to continue to operate within those same principles of thoughtful use of resources,” said Hasseler. “This is a place that has done that exceptionally well.” Despite challenges within higher education institutions, Hasseler said Muskingum University is known for its resilience. “This particular institution has been very strategic about building student bodies, about connecting with the community, about offering majors and programs that reach out to learners, and really reach out to fit future needs,” said Hasseler. See PRESIDENT, continued on page 2
Career Experience: • 2012-present Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Augustana University. • 2008-2012 Dean of the School of Business, Education and Social Sciences & Dean of Community Engagement at Messiah College. • 2000-2008 Associate Dean for Teacher Education at Calvin College. Family Life: • Married to husband Kenneth for 40 years. He is a neuropsychologist who earned a Doctorate in Philosophy. • They have two adult children, Kaitlin and Jonathan and a daughter-in-law, Mallory. • The Hasseler family enjoys spending their time outdoors together. • Last summer, the Hasseler family hiked the Grand Canyon from rim to rim.