Gettysburg College trustees unanimously name alumna 14th president
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GETTYSBURG, PA – Janet Morgan Riggs ’77 was unanimously appointed 14th president of Gettysburg College by the College’s Board of Trustees at their winter meeting Feb 6. Riggs, who has served as interim president since last March, became president effective immediately.
"We are all very excited to make this appointment," Board Chair James M. Weaver '64 said. "Dr. Riggs has excelled in a number of key administrative appointments, most recently interim president at Gettysburg, and we know that she will move full steam ahead in building campus-wide support for her vision. As an alumna who has also been a
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Pres. Rigg's Bio |
20-year professor and a provost at Gettysburg, she deeply understands the lives of our students and faculty, who are the heart of our academic mission."
In March 2008, the board appointed Riggs to serve as interim president after the resignation of Katherine Haley Will. A national search was conducted for her replacement.
A 15-member Presidential Search Committee (PSC) - chaired by Trustee Bob Duelks and comprised of faculty, alumni, trustees, an administrator and a student - received more than 100 applications for the position. With the assistance of the professional search firm Storbeck-Pimentel, the PSC winnowed the field to 30 candidates, interviewing 12 and carefully reviewing six semi-finalists before making the final selection. Throughout this process the search firm and committee members checked references of the candidates.
A message from President Riggs |
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"We enjoyed meeting a very impressive slate of candidates," Duelks said. "But at every turn Janet Riggs remained in the top tier. She set herself apart with her passion, commitment and vision for her alma mater. Throughout the process, her understanding of where liberal arts education is headed, her vision for advancement of Gettysburg, her operational insights and her relationship-building skills helped set her apart. In addition, we had the good fortune of actually observing her in the role and enjoyed watching her execute the responsibilities with passion and commitment.
"We say that Gettysburg College produces great leaders, and Janet Morgan Riggs exemplifies that claim," Duelks added.
Riggs accepted the appointment with enthusiasm. "It is a great honor and privilege to accept the appointment as 14th president by the College's Board of Trustees, she said. "Since 1981, Gettysburg College and the local community have been my home. I am thrilled to be asked to serve my alma mater in this way," Riggs said.
While Riggs is the first alumna to be named president, three alumni who graduated from Pennsylvania College (now Gettysburg College) in the 19th century also served as president to their alma mater. They were: Milton Valentine, Class of 1850, served from 1868 to 1884; Harvey Washington McKnight, Class of 1865, served from 1884 to 1904; and Samuel Gring Hefelbower, Class of 1891, served from 1904 to 1910.
Founded in 1832, Gettysburg College is a highly selective four-year residential college of liberal arts and sciences. With a student body of approximately 2,500, it is located on a 200-acre campus adjacent to the Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania.
300 North Washington Street · Gettysburg, PA 17325
Congratulations President Riggs from a descendant of the second President of Gettysburg College, Henry Lewis Baugher.
Shirley L Baugher | Posted Feb 24, 2009 01:15 PM
Congratulations, Janet, and all good wishes to you in your new role. I think of you often and have wondered what became of you. Now I know. How wonderful!
Gita Wilder | Posted Feb 24, 2009 10:15 AM
In these difficult times, when we all look for able and inspiring leadership, Gettysburg College has been lucky to find it from within. It has been an honor and a privilege for College Year in Athens to be working with Gettysburg in the area of study abroad and the nearly 150 students from Gettysburg that we have had the opportunity to host in Athens over the years is a testimony of the strong relationship that exists between our two institutions. We wish Gettysburg and President Riggs great success in this new beginning.
Alexis Phylactopoulos
President College Year in Athens
Alexis Phylactopoulos - President College Year in Athens | Posted Feb 23, 2009 03:34 PM
Dear President Riggs, What a pleasure to address you without the "interim." All good wishes for a happy, productive tenure. May students, faculty and alums continue to benefit from your vision and strong, positive leadership.
Edwin Partikian - 1952 | Posted Feb 18, 2009 12:30 PM
Warm congratulations Dr. Riggs. Thank you for your ongoing service to our alma mater and best wishes as you continue to lead the College.
Allyson Fiore McHugh - 1994 | Posted Feb 17, 2009 06:40 AM
Congratulations Janet! I'm sorry I won't be there at noon for the Trustee's announcement but I wanted to chime in while I'm away on sabbatical. Koren
Koren Holland Deckman | Posted Feb 06, 2009 09:34 AM
Congratulations! Great choice! Wonderful to have an alumna and someone who has given so much to our alma mater over the past 20 years leading Gettysburg College into the future.
Charles A. Darlington III - 1971 | Posted Feb 06, 2009 09:53 AM
Congratulations to President Riggs! I feel like she is "one of our own." She has always had both Gettysburg College and the rest of the community as her priority. I am extremely pleased with this great news. Hopefully she won't be too busy to come down and see us again in Charlotte in 2009!
Kelly Keiter - 1995 | Posted Feb 06, 2009 09:58 AM
I want to let you know how excited I am that you are now the PRESIDENT of an awesome college. My son is a freshman, and we both are so pleased with everything and everyone there. Congrats!!
donna whitmoyer | Posted Feb 06, 2009 10:08 AM
Congrats Janet! WELL deserved. I have never been more proud to be a Gettysburg alum!
Ryan Jannos - 08 | Posted Feb 06, 2009 10:48 AM
Congratulations Dr. Riggs. I wish you and the College all the best. (Kudos on the video, too. Great work!)
J. Todd Bennett | Posted Feb 06, 2009 10:49 AM
Dear President Riggs, Congratulations on being named (and absolutely earning the position of) the 14th president of Gettysburg College! A written note (snail nail) is following this "congrats" but I wanted to offer you my happiness and support asap. Way-to-go girl! Linda
Linda Harmer Morris - 1974 | Posted Feb 06, 2009 10:54 AM
Dear President Riggs, I am enormously pleased with your appointment. That expression is grounded in many factors that I will not belabor here. There are things that I hope to share with you over time as a professor, scholar, researcher and writer about the college presidency. I know you are terribly busy and will now be even more so as your transition from interim to permanent appointment commences. All my best wishes and hopes for a tenure that will approach if not exceed the average tenure of our Gettysburg presidents, in the highly desirable vicinity of over thirteen years equal or greater to many elite colleges. Be well and be blessed in your leadership of the College we love. Warm regards, Steve Nelson
Stephen J. Nelson - 1969 | Posted Feb 06, 2009 11:06 AM
Congratulations, Janet! Charlie and I are thrilled that you are now the president of Gettysburg College. We wish you all the best in your new role.
Janette Scott - 1977 | Posted Feb 06, 2009 11:08 AM
Congratulations on Dr. Riggs' appointment as college president. It's great to see a Gettysburg College alumna leading our students into the future. Best of luck! Joe S. Class of 1980
Joseph Sacchi - 1980 | Posted Feb 06, 2009 11:08 AM
Janet, WOW! Incredible! Congratulations! You sure make us proud--especially the class of '77. My memories of you go way back to Freshman year on 3rd Floor Huber! Look how far you've come. It couldn't happen to a better classmate. Love, Carol
Carol Ryan Wade - 1977 | Posted Feb 06, 2009 11:32 AM
I would like to wish my congratulations to Janet on becomming Gettysburg's next President. It is a very much well deserved accomplishment for her, and I look forward to watching how the Gettysburg community will grow during her time as President. I had only a brief time to really get to know Janet, but her support, specifically with the athletics program as well as her involvement with academics, has made quite the impression on me. Janet is surely the ideal role model for Gettysburg students and staff to look up to. Congratulations, Janet, and good luck!
Cristi Farrell - 2008 | Posted Feb 06, 2009 11:51 AM
Excellent choice.
Hadiatou Barry - 2010 | Posted Feb 06, 2009 12:21 PM
Congratulations Janet!
Paul Redfern - 2000 | Posted Feb 06, 2009 02:00 PM
Congratulations to Janet Morgan Riggs. I believe we were floor-mates in Apple Hall in '75-'76. I think Janet will serve the College well, having been part of the life of Gettysburg College as both a student and faculty/administrator. Good luck! Jane Prescott Thompson, '76
Jane Prescott Thompson - 1976 | Posted Feb 06, 2009 02:02 PM
As a former colleague in the Psychology Department I am pleased to learn that Janet has been selected as the next President of Gettysburg College. She has my full support and I will continue to watch Gettysburg College under her influence. Congratulations Janet!
Trudy Gobbel | Posted Feb 06, 2009 10:25 AM
Congratulations! I, like many other College Life staff, am very excited about this great news for Gettysburg College!
Lynn Burke | Posted Feb 06, 2009 02:59 PM
Congratulations to Dr. Riggs; congratulations to Gettysburg College. Having heard Dr. Riggs speak at my 50th class reunion last June, I felt then that all the Board needed to do was move her from Interim status to pemanennt status. I vowed to write the Board of Trustees, and neglected to do so. I am VERY pleased they found their way to the excellent decision even without my input.
Bonnie Bankert Rice - 1958 | Posted Feb 06, 2009 03:00 PM
Dear Dr. Riggs - Our college will be well positioned to keep moving forward with you at the helm. And yes, you have made all of us in the Class of 1977 very proud. Warm Regards - Nancy Buckwalter Johnson
Nancy Buckwalter Johnson - 1977 | Posted Feb 06, 2009 04:01 PM
Janet, I'm glad that we didn't have to go far when we had a gem right in our own backyard! Congrats to you and tell Ed that I said hello.
Tony Pierce- Football Capt. '83 - 1983 | Posted Feb 06, 2009 04:02 PM
Janet, What an amazing journey from 3rd floor Huber to the Office of the President! CONGRATULATIONS!! You are so deserving of this terrific appointment and I know you will continue to have a positive impact on our alma mater. I join the other members of the Class of '77 in saying how proud we are of you! fondly, Diane DiSapio Warzoha ('77)
Diane DiSapio Warzoha - 1977 | Posted Feb 06, 2009 04:32 PM
Congratulations!! When we interviewed potential Provost candidates, no one compared to you and I was so excited that you were named Provost - I was hopeful the same would happen with the Presidential Search Committee. Gettysburg College is so lucky to have you as its new President!
Monica Charpentier - 2008 | Posted Feb 06, 2009 05:29 PM
Both Joy and I would like to extended our congratulations on your appointment as President. We have followed your career through the G-Burg publications and could not think of a more deserving, qualified person to lead the school. Good Luck! Bill and Joy Lundahl
William Thor Lundahl - 1976 | Posted Feb 06, 2009 05:06 PM
Congratulations Janet! All of the Gobbels are delighted with this announcement! Kris
Kristin Gobbel-Swanson | Posted Feb 06, 2009 04:58 PM
Congratulations! You were my faculty advisor when I was President of Chi Omega and I really appreciated all of your time and advice. I know you will do a great job! Suzanne Hino Gorab
Suzanne Hino Gorab - 1984 | Posted Feb 06, 2009 04:42 PM
Congratulations to Dr. Riggs and to the Board for selecting, finally, a graduate of the college! It was the right and only choice from my perspective. We can't wait to personal wish her the best when we meet her at our 50th reunion this year. Beverly and Ron Smith
Ronald W. Smith - 1959 | Posted Feb 06, 2009 08:17 PM
God bless you in this wonderful endeavor. You are the BEST choice and we're beaming with happiness for you, Ed and Gettysburg. GO BULLETS!!!!!
Karen Eaken Peter - 1977 | Posted Feb 07, 2009 08:44 AM
Dr. Riggs, Congratulations on your permanent appointment as President of Gettysburg College. We could sense your dedication and were impressed with your vision in your address to the incoming class of 2012. Our son is impressed with Gettysburg's quality and pleased to be part of the college community. The college was wise to select you with all your experience in every facet of Gettysburg College life. You have seen where Gettysburg College has been, so you are uniquely qualified to set the path where it is going. Best wishes for a long and prosperous tenure.
David & Carol Ellis | Posted Feb 06, 2009 11:48 PM
Janet, Congratulations and Best Wishes. Lorraine
Lorraine Mayers | Posted Feb 07, 2009 11:36 AM
Dear Janet: I am absolutely thrilled at your selection as Gettysburg's fourteenth president and very pleased at the judgement that Gettysburg has shown in selecting you. May your tenure be one of the greatest yet!
Elissa Fisher - 1957 | Posted Feb 07, 2009 11:50 AM
Nothing but the best for Gettysburg College. Congratulations Janet!
Walter P. Wagner, Esq. - 1977 | Posted Feb 07, 2009 11:57 AM
CONGRATULATIONS JANET!!! May God continue to bless you and your family.
Stephanie Moses | Posted Feb 07, 2009 03:02 PM
Congratulations,Janet! Ned and I are so happy for you, your family and Gettysburg College. I always knew (since our days in Chi O) that you were destined for great things. Love, Josie
Josie Brownley - 52 | Posted Feb 07, 2009 05:06 PM
Dr. Riggs, Eunice (Elwood '58) and I were impressed as we listened to you during last Spring's reunion tip toe beautifully as the interim President. There was really no doubt in my mind that you should succeed to the Office. Congratulations as you assume the position in your own right and, especially, as the first alumna.
Bill Alexander - 1956 | Posted Feb 07, 2009 07:42 PM
CONGRATULATIONS Dr. Riggs!!! I was so glad to hear the news! You were a great professor and I consider myself lucky to have gotten to know you during my time at Gettysburg. You're a wonderful person and I have no doubt that you'll make an outstanding president - I feel so proud of you!! I wish you nothing but the best and hope to see you sometime during alumni visits.
Elizabeth A. Ryan - 2008 | Posted Feb 08, 2009 09:15 PM
Congratulations to Dr. Riggs. It is not only great to see an alumna chosen to lead Gettysburg College into the future but see a person who has been and continues to be committed to its growth as a leading academic institution.
John Hohneker - 1981 | Posted Feb 07, 2009 12:40 PM
Congratulation to Dr. Janet Riggs from DIS, Danish Institute for Study Abroad. Many Gettysburg College students study abroad with DIS in Copenhagen. They are great, highly qualified and inquisitive students. They and the college deserve your leadership combining deep knowledge of the institution with a clear vision of its mission in the globalized world. Anders Uhrskov, Director DIS
Anders Uhrskov | Posted Feb 08, 2009 08:23 AM
Congratulations Janet! and Congrats and thanks to the dedicated Board that did a wonderful job in researching and choosing the best and brightest. How many times do we learn that "home grown" is best and what better testimony to a Gettysburg College education and experience!?!
Lorna Rice. Cupola Chair - 81 | Posted Feb 10, 2009 12:41 PM
Sincere congratulations to Janet Riggs and best wishes for her continued successful leadership of Gettysburg College.
Barbara Evans - 1973 | Posted Feb 10, 2009 03:27 PM
What a great honor and privilege for Gettysburg College! Congratulations and best wishes, Dr. Riggs!
Colleen Ellwood - 2002 | Posted Mar 12, 2009 12:10 AM
I am very happy that Dr. Riggs will be Gettysburg College's 14th president. Dr. Riggs, my IDS professor, was not only a gifted teacher, but she was a great listener. She heard our class's concern when former President Ford was talking at the CUB and students were not permitted. She dismissed class saying that this was likely a moment we would not forget. I still remember it too! Congratulations in your new role.
Lauren (Sanders) Lorber - 1987 | Posted Apr 17, 2009 02:12 PM
A belated congratulatory message to you, Dr. Janet Riggs, at approximately the 100th day of your presidency! All the best to you, Gettysburg College and of course Ed.
Jim Stewart - 1977 | Posted May 21, 2009 02:13 PM
The cream always rises to the top! What more can we say! We are so proud that a friend and classmate is now at the helm. Best wishes to you and Ed - I'll sleep just a bit better knowing that the college is in good hands!
Mark and Denise Roddy - 1977 | Posted May 21, 2009 11:01 PM
Congratulations, Dr. Riggs! I am so elated that you will be an active role model in my son's years at Gettysburg College. Having met you on "Get Acquainted Day" 2008, seeing you again at "The Send-Off" 2008, and hearing your convocation address for the class of 2012; I felt comforted and satisfied that our son made one of the best decisions of his life!! I also thank you for your expression of condolence to me and to my son at the loss of my husband (and father). The college was extremely sensitive and understanding of our son's needs at that time. I believe that this was due to your pro-active role in all aspects of a student's life. Thank you. Leslie Graham
Leslie Graham | Posted Aug 03, 2009 02:45 PM