The presidential transition begins

Maryville College’s 11th President, Dr. Tom Bogart, has decided to not prolong his position as president after the current term. This Presidential transition is a new experience for students on campus and the community surrounding Maryville College. It has been 10 years since the college has had to search for a new president. 

Even though Bogart’s term lasts until June 2020, the search for a new president has already begun. There is time to go through the process of finding a new president, but it will be here before we know it.

To get the process started, the Board of Directors hires a search committee. This includes one student, an outside consultant and other members of the faculty and staff. They are looking for specific characteristics to reassure the next president will take the college on a new adventure. 

This search committee is responsible for helping find someone who fits into the Maryville College community. They have been working hard to make sure the prospective president has what it takes to advance Maryville College to the next level.

“The search committee is looking for someone who can see the success of the college and build on the foundations of success,” Bogart said. The foundation Bogart has built is strong, but there is always room for improvement. 

“We need someone who can make up in the areas where I am weak,” Bogart said. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Bogart has shown his strengths through the many improvements and goals he has accomplished—having a new president means new ideas and higher goals to reach.

“I can only do so much for the college before its time for me to hand it off to someone else,” Bogart said. He has made a strong foundation for the new president to star with, and he has overseen many major changes and minor changes to the college. 

“I am very proud of what Maryville College has enabled me to do personally and professionally,” Bogart said. Bogart has accomplished fixing Maryville College finances, the renovation of Anderson Hall, improvements in other buildings like Thaw Hall, system improvements, renovations to sport team complexes and the creation of Maryville College Works. 

These are just a few instances where Bogart has improved the overall campus to benefit students, faculty, staff and the community. Timing of the transition is equally important. 

“The timing is great because things are going well, and we are about to be done with our Bicentennial,” Bogart said. The future president will have a clean slate. Because there will be nothing major going on around the college, it will be easier to transition into the position. The presidential transition is not only an experience for the college community but for Bogart as well.   “I have been at Maryville College for 10 years,” Bogart said. “I have been here long enough to impact it and enjoy it. It’s not easy to leave, but it is the right thing to do.”