December 20, 2004
On January 1, 2005, Dr. Howard
Keim, incoming president of Hesston College, will commence six months
of preparation time for his upcoming assignment. Keim was named as
the next president of the two-year Mennonite liberal arts college
back in late September.
Arlan Yoder, chair of the Hesston
College Board of Overseers, says "the purpose of the preparation
time is to provide a time of deliberate concentration and orientation.
He has identified excellent goals for this time, which have been approved
by the Hesston College Board of Overseers."
The goals include preparing to
lead as the college's CEO; orientation to the college and its constituencies;
enhancing skills in fundraising, marketing, and church relations;
consulting with Hesston College executives, and attending two conferences
in January.
One of the conferences Keim will
attend is the annual Presidents Institute, including a nearly two-day
workshop for new presidents, convened by the Council of Independent
Colleges. The January 4-7 event in Marco Island, Fla., will focus
on competition, complexity, and change in today's higher education
environment as viewed from the president's office.
"Other presidents have told
me that the Presidents Institute is one event they go to every year,
and I should not miss it," Keim said. "There are also sessions
for spouses, and my wife Tami is looking forward to attending with
me."
"The New Presidents Workshop
will give me the opportunity to interact with both new and experienced
presidents," Keim explained. "Sessions will focus on a variety
of topics, including fundraising, board development, and making the
transition."
While Keim prepares for his post,
Peter Wiebe will continue as interim president during the Spring semester
and through most of June. Keim will assume full responsibility as
president June 20.
Keim's inauguration is slated
for the weekend of Oct. 28-30, 2005. That event will be combined with
the annual Homecoming Weekend for alumni, normally held in late September.