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Ohio Wesleyan leaders and members of the Presidential Search Committee share their thoughts on Matt vandenBerg.
Current OWU President
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“I am thrilled with the selection of Matt vandenBerg as the 17th president of Ohio Wesleyan. Matt is a visionary, entrepreneurial, collaborative, empathetic leader who will guide OWU to new levels of distinction and accomplishment in providing a transformational liberal arts education. I look forward to passing the OWU baton to Matt and to watching the university thrive and prosper in the years to come.”
Chair, OWU Board of Trustees
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“Ohio Wesleyan is poised for greatness. Under Rock’s leadership, the university has advanced in so many areas, and we are pleased to hand the baton to Matt. We are confident he will bring the vision and execution needed to help Ohio Wesleyan continue to advance and succeed in its critical mission of preparing future generations of engaged citizens and effective leaders.”
Chair, Presidential Search Committee; Vice Chair, OWU Board of Trustees
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“Matt is an innovative, energetic leader who will help to build upon Ohio Wesleyan’s reputation and success, especially as the Columbus region works to transform itself into the Silicon Valley of the Midwest. Matt has the drive and vision to ensure that Ohio Wesleyan is an integral part of this high-tech transformation. Both the Presidential Search Committee and the university’s Board of Trustees were unanimous in their selection of Matt to boldly and confidently lead Ohio Wesleyan into the future.”
Provost
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“In a volatile and challenging higher education landscape, Matt’s creative vision has the ability to galvanize a community to see possibility and innovation. Matt grasps how liberal arts learning can change a single student’s destiny and that harnessing, translating, and expanding the power of that experience is foundational to OWU’s future success.”
Vice President, University Advancement
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“I’m thrilled to welcome Matt as OWU’s next president. He is student-oriented, strategically focused, and brings creative solutions to issues confronting liberal arts colleges in today’s higher education landscape. He authentically builds relationships to foster community engagement with students, faculty, staff, families, and alumni. These traits, combined with his extensive fundraising experience, will shape the future of OWU, and I look forward to introducing him and his family to the OWU alumni community.”
Alumni Professor of Biological Science
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“We believe the experiences Matt brings to OWU and his approach to leadership will be an excellent fit for the Ohio Wesleyan community. He understands the mission and value and culture of an institution like Ohio Wesleyan and shares the faculty’s commitment to transforming the lives of students through a liberal arts education. He is creative with bold ideas and a proven ability to execute them. The faculty are eager to partner with Matt as we envision the future directions for OWU.”
Alumni Trustee
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“I’m excited to join with my fellow trustees in welcoming Matt vandenBerg to OWU as our next president. Matt’s leadership experience, energy, and curiosity, coupled with his passion for liberal arts higher education position OWU well as it develops future generations of leaders. Welcome, Matt!”
Professor of Philosophy
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“At various stages of the interview process, Matt displayed a rare combination of ambition and humility. The ambition speaks for itself. His achievements in his young career are estimable. The humility came through in a sincere readiness to listen and a desire to foreground the ideas and achievements of others.”
At-Large Trustee
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“The next president of Ohio Wesleyan University needs to be quick to action in moments of challenge, a proven fundraiser, an inclusive collaborator who can narrow the focus on what matters most, an innovator with bold ideas, and an empathetic custodian of the central elements of belonging. Matt vandenBerg embodies all these traits and is the best mirror we can hold up to reflect all the things that make OWU special.”
Director of Media and Community Relations
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“Matt vandenBerg’s brain is always working. He is always asking, ‘What’s next? What can we do to make positive and meaningful change? What haven’t we even imagined yet?’ It will be exciting to be part of this everything-is-possible environment.”
Alumni Trustee
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“Matt is going to be an outstanding president of Ohio Wesleyan. His creative energy, coupled with his commitment to the liberal arts experience and student success, shone through and truly distinguished him as the best candidate. I am certain that the future of Ohio Wesleyan is bright as we turn the page to a new chapter of our story with Matt leading the university.”
OWU Trustee for Other United Methodist Conferences
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“With the many challenges facing small residential liberal arts campuses like ours, we have found in Matt one who is uniquely gifted and creatively sensitized to lead us on the next leg of the journey.”
At-Large Trustee
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“Matt and his family will be a great addition to OWU. Matt is an innovative and courageous leader who will help the continuing transformation of OWU into a premier liberal arts institution.”
George and Louise Peters Professor of World Languages and Cultures
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“Matt brings a lot of exciting ideas and positive, creative energy to Ohio Wesleyan. His experience with innovation and fundraising in higher ed will be of great help to our university as we navigate new challenges and opportunities in the years ahead.”
Vice President, Wesleyan Council on Student Affairs (WCSA)
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“I am very excited for Matt’s appointment as Ohio Wesleyan’s new president. Our experience as students is at the forefront of his decision-making, and it’s clear that he cares about doing what’s best for both the student body and the university. As a senior, I’m sorry that I won’t be able to see his energy and passion firsthand.”