Talk to Wooster
Spring 2007
The Stan Hales Years: 1995-2007
“A boundless enthusiasm for students”
A
typical day for Hales begins around 7:00 a.m., often at his office at the
president’s house on campus, where he finds respite from interruptions.
His official day typically ends by 9 p.m., but it is not unusual for him
to return to the office late at night. Many people have reported receiving
an e-mail from the boss after midnight.
On any given day, Hales is hit from all directions with questions, concerns, and complaints. Some require immediate attention; others can be put on hold. Determining which is which is essential. “People are constantly vying for your attention,” he says.
Invariably, students rise to the top. “The job of a president can easily lead to becoming remote from students, but that’s the last thing anyone would ever say of Stan,” says Iain Crawford, vice president for academic affairs. “What strikes me about Stan, above all, is his boundless enthusiasm for students.”
Wooster’s students notice and value his accessibility. “ When President Hales meets people, he knows them for life,” says Erin Plant, a senior business economics major. “ Just in passing, he says ‘hello’ to students and calls them by name, and he can strike up a conversation about your classes, sports, and other activities. You see him at events all over campus, giving words of encouragement to students, faculty, and staff.”
Hales advised the Independent Studies of four students during his years as an administrator, including that of Katie Ziegler ’98, professor of mathematics at St. Olaf College. “ I hope to inspire the same passion in my students that Stan Hales inspired in me,” she says.
“Stan is the best networker I know.”
As college presidents balance budgets and meet academic and administrative challenges, pressures are not unlike those that challenge corporate CEOs. “College presidents are on the hot seat like never before,” says Hales. “Competition for students and faculty is a major priority, and name recognition and reputation for the institution at a national and even international level are vital.”
College presidents must also be one step ahead of shifting trends in technology and finance, accelerated by globalization. Under Hales’ leadership, the College acted on two strategic plans, which bolstered a national reputation for an excellent faculty and distinctive curriculum. The campus was transformed by the addition of five new buildings (side bar) and the renovation of Ebert Art Center,Timken Science Library, and Kauke Hall, the largest capital project in the College’s history.
“Stan Hales has made friends for Wooster around the country and around the world,” says Sara Patton, vice president for development. “Alumni, parents, and friends have responded to his enthusiasm, warmth, and sincere interest in them. Stan makes a point of getting to know students while they are on campus and then keeping in touch after they graduate. Stan is the best networker I know.”
Hales’ network extends across the nation. He has served as president of the Five Colleges of Ohio Consortium, treasurer and board member of the Association of American Colleges and Universities, chair of the executive committee of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio, chair of the board of directors for the Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities, chair of the executive committee for the Annapolis Group, chair of the executive committee and member of the board for the Great Lakes Colleges Association, and president of the North Coast Athletic Conference.
