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Dear Friends and Alumni of Baldwin Wallace,
Earlier this morning, I met with members of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee and our deans to share some personal news, and I am writing now to share that news with you as well.
Effective June 30, 2024, I will be retiring as the president of Baldwin Wallace University.
For the past 12 years, it has been my privilege to lead an institution with a long and storied history – one that for nearly 180 years has been meeting student needs and preparing individuals to succeed both personally and professionally as proud Baldwin Wallace graduates. I have been blessed throughout my tenure here to have worked with an amazing faculty, a dedicated staff, challenging and inspiring students, and a board with vision and determination. Together, we have accomplished a great deal – including taking the sometimes-daunting steps to address the new financial landscape higher education across America faces today. I feel confident I am leaving Baldwin Wallace prepared to continue its mission serving those who seek an extraordinary education based on the values of the arts and sciences, and the needs of the 21st century.
When we met with the university’s academic leadership this morning, Lee Thomas, chair of the Baldwin Wallace University Board of Trustees, announced that the board has established an Office of the President to oversee the university’s operations while the search for my successor begins. That office will be led by Tom Sutton, who has been named Acting President and Provost. He will be joined in the Office of the President by Greg Cingle, chief financial officer, Greg Flanik, vice president for operations, and Ellen Zegarra, vice president of philanthropy & alumni engagement. The group will report to a special Board Advisory Committee, charged with making sure the university continues to focus on keeping Baldwin Wallace fiscally strong and structured to grow during a time when many colleges and universities – especially in Ohio – are facing significant challenges, including declines in revenues and enrollment.
Chair Thomas added the board will be conducting a national search to find my successor and will take the time to find a leader with the skill set that will keep Baldwin Wallace on the path to success.
Let me end by expressing my sincere gratitude and thanks to all of you. Your support has been, and continues to be, critical to the success of our university. With your contributions, we are able to offer our students an education that is the envy of many other private colleges and universities throughout the country. It has been my honor to work with you and I will watch the results of your generosity in the years to come with pride and appreciation.
Sincerely,
Bob Helmer
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