Talk to Wooster
Spring 2007
The Stan Hales Years: 1995-2007
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Farewell by President Hales
On a recent morning, President Raleigh Stanton Hales, Jr. (a.k.a. Stan) found himself in a quandary. As The College of Wooster’s chief executive officer for more than a decade, Hales had grown accustomed to making difficult decisions, and this day was no exception. In a few moments, a recent graduate would be presenting at a mathematics colloquium and Hales really wanted to be there. But he was elbow deep in paperwork, phone messages, and e-mails.
Should he stay or go?
Hales wrestled briefly with his options. The paperwork, he reasoned, would be there when he returned, but the opportunity to mingle with students and alumni was too important to miss.
That decision captures the essence of Wooster’s 10th president and represents the foundation of his leadership. When he can, Hales chooses to spend his time with students—in the classroom, on the stage, at the concert hall, or on the field.
The second son of Gwendolen and Raleigh, Sr., Hales was born on March 16, 1942, in Pasadena, Calif. Influenced by an older brother who loved mathematics, Hales earned a B.A. in mathematics from Pomona College and an M.A. from Harvard.While he was still at Harvard pursuing a Ph.D. in mathematics, he was summoned back to Pomona to fill a position in the mathematics department. Hales completed his dissertation while teaching full time. Six years later, at the age of 31, he was promoted to associate dean, Pomona’s second highest academic administrative position.
In 1990, he came to Wooster as vice president for academic affairs; five years later, he was called to serve as interim president. In March 1996, Hales became the College’s tenth president.
“He was given the opportunity to do what he was born to do,” says his wife, Diane. “It has been the ideal job for him.”
