MAC SLAVIN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
After an extensive search, Wartburg College announced last Monday Darrel D. Colson will be the 17th president of the college.
“I knew of the school and learned of the job opening and began to look into it more closely. It seemed like a good match and like I could bring some experience and skills to the college,” Colson said.
Colson, currently serving as provost and dean at Centenary College in Shreveport, La., will take office July 1.
As a candidate, the 53-year-old met with faculty, staff and students during a campus visit on April 22 and 23.
“The couple of days I spent on campus were really terrific; I enjoyed everyone I met. It just seemed like a terrific group of people,” he said.
While on campus he learned about Project Orange and the different reactions to the student-led movement.
“The fact that that many students care that much about their school, that they’re willing to take a stand and articulate their views and engage the administration, I found that appealing,” he said.
After speaking with former Student Body President Travis Bockenstedt, he said he was impressed by the initiative.
“I would be more than happy to sit down and talk with students that have issues that are a concern to them. I certainly plan to have regular times when I’m open to visiting with students. I like to visit with students, I like students, that’s why I became a teacher,” he said.
Colson is a Louisiana State University graduate. He studied English, history, philosophy and political science before becoming a college professor.
He received his masters degree from Vanderbilt University and his doctorate in philosophy from Western Carolina University.
He has taught at Louisiana Scholars’ College, Pepperdine University and Centenary College.
In April 2008, Jack R. Ohle resigned his Wartburg presidency to become president of Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn. William Hamm is currently fulfilling the role of interim president.
“What I’m excited about is that so much work has been done over the past 10-15 years to solidify the physical facilities on campus, and you guys have a really up to date, attractive and well maintained campus,” he said.
Colson said he wants to become immersed in the Wartburg and Waverly community.
“I’m really looking forward to getting to know everyone that I can,” he said.