Open Letter for the Albion Community

April 4, 2023

To the Albion College community:

My name is Wayne Webster, and I am thrilled and honored to have been named the 18th President of Albion College. I very much look forward to officially joining the Albion community July 1.

For many years I have admired Albion’s commitment to the residential liberal arts experiences, your strong ties to the surrounding community and your commitment to and the pioneering of experiential learning in a liberal arts setting, as well as your legacy of strength in athletics and co-curricular offerings. Over the course of the interview process, I learned more about Albion’s distinctive attributes, in particular your institutes and programs focused on business and management, health and medicine, public policy and so many others. I am so very much looking forward to learning more in the months leading up to – and after – my arrival in July.

While new to Albion, I am not new to higher education nor residential liberal arts settings. I am in my 23rd year in higher education and my 13th as a senior officer at a college or university. I am currently in my sixth year at The College of Wooster where I serve as Interim President after five years as Vice President for Advancement. I have also served as a Vice President at the University of Northern Colorado and at Ripon College in Wisconsin. Prior to Ripon, I worked at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania and at my alma mater, Doane University, in Nebraska. In addition to my professional experience, I earned my Doctor of Education from George Washington University in Higher Education Administration and have a Master’s Degree in Management from Doane University. My undergraduate focus at Doane was in Political Science and Public Administration with a minor in History.

Over the next few months, even before my official arrival, I look forward to conversations with as many of you as possible. I want to listen to and learn from your experiences, hopes, concerns, and observations. As the 200th anniversary of Albion’s founding draws near, it is crucial that we work together to secure what is strong, address what could be strengthened, and add to what is missing to ensure Albion is fully prepared to enter its third century of service and excellence. The first step of that process is for me to listen, to appreciate, and to learn from you and your experiences. Then, together, we will create a compelling vision and a sound actionable plan for our future.

My wife, Sally, daughter, Stella (10), and I look forward to joining the Albion community this summer and engaging with the campus and community as your President and neighbor. Thank you for the warm welcome – and Io Triumphe!

Wayne