Sociologist/head of design and arts school chosen as next Hamilton College president
The Hamilton College Board of Trustees has chosen a sociologist and the leader of the nation’s largest comprehensive design and arts college as the college’s next president.
Steven Tepper, currently the dean and director of the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University, will take over as the college’s 21st president on July 1, the board announced Wednesday.
“Steven Tepper is the ideal candidate to lead Hamilton College into the future,” said David Solomon, chair of the trustees. “With his proven leadership, commitment to academic excellence and innovative vision for the future of higher education, he is the perfect choice to carry on the incredible legacy of President (David) Wippman, guiding Hamilton through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
A press statement about Tepper’s unanimous selection by the board in January noted his “visionary approach to making creativity and human expression central to learning, discovery and civic engagement.”
The release listed some of Tepper’s accomplishments:
He started Arizona State’s Sidney Poitier New American Film School.
At Arizona State, he was known for gathering the “best” technologies and talent; combining the disciplines of art, science, engineering, technology and media; and promoting an inclusive learning environment and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Under his leadership, Arizona State tripled the number of Black, Hispanic and indigenous staff; established dozens of fellowships and visiting positions for artists and designers for under-represented communities; and launched classes and programs with “more diverse cultural expression.”
Tepper previously served on the faculty of Vanderbilt University where was established the Curb Center for Art, Enterprise and Public Police, a national think tank.
He served as the deputy director and sociology and public policy lecturer at Princeton University’s Center for Arts and Cultural Policy Studies.
“Hamilton’s rich history, emphasis on communication, open curriculum and dedication to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and creative campus are values that resonate with me deeply,” Tepper said. “I look forward to working with the talented students, faculty, alumni, trustees, and staff on the next phase of Hamilton’s evolution – one that elevates Hamilton as the most creative and connected liberal arts campus in the world.”
During the national search for a new president, Tepper stood out for “his commitment to the idea and promise of a liberal arts education,” said Trustee Bob Delaney, “and to graduate students who are connected to and prepared to thrive in a world of constant and accelerating transformations.”
Wippman retiring
David Wippman, an authority on international law, will retire at the end of June after serving as president for eight years, having previously served as dean of the University of Minnesota Law School and taught at Cornell University.
Under Wippman’s presidency, Hamilton increased the diversity of its student body, partially by offering financial aid to meet 100% of need; added seven new professorships; hired its first vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion; developed plans focused on climate action, land and forest stewardship and sustainable practices; and launched Common Ground, a program to promote civil discourse on socially and politically charged issues.
Wippman’s tenure has not been without controversy. Over the summer, many professors, staff members, students, area clergy and local nonprofit leaders protested the college’s decision to fire Jeff McArn, its chaplain of 27 years, the way the firing was handled (and the lack of protections for non-faculty staff) and the lack of explanation from the administration.
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Hamilton College has announced Arizona State dean as next president
