The 20th and likely final president in Wells College's 156-year history has experience with transitioning higher education institutions.聽
Dr. Susan Henking, who has served as vice president of academic and student affairs at Wells since July 2022, has been named the school's new president by the board of trustees.聽
The appointment is effective Monday, according to Marie Chapman Carroll, chair of the college's board of trustees.聽
"Throughout her career, Dr. Henking has demonstrated a profound commitment to the success and well-being of students and to liberal education," Chapman Carroll said. "At Wells College, she has been respected especially as a champion for our community."聽
Henking's career in higher education began at another Finger Lakes institution. She was a professor at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva for more than 25 years.聽
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In 2012, Henking was named president of Shimer College in Chicago. Shimer was acquired by North Central College in 2017. She oversaw the transition and received an honorary doctorate for her service to the college.聽
After leaving Shimer College, Henking was the interim vice president of academic affairs and student affairs at Salem Academy and College. She was named interim president of the school, a post she held from June 2020 to June 2021.聽
At Wells, Henking's leadership was on display during the final commencement in May. When graduating seniors asked for then-President Jonathan Gibralter to not have a large role in the ceremony, it was Henking who fulfilled many of those duties.聽
Over the next six months, Henking will guide Wells through a challenging process. As a private college, it must work with the state attorney general's office to dispose of its assets. There are also questions about what will happen with artifacts and how the school's legacy will be preserved.聽
Chapman Carroll highlighted Henking's leadership at Shimer College and how she "navigated complex changes with accreditors."聽
"She brings her insight and experience in transition processes and will partner with the board of trustees for such planning to work with our advisers to assure necessary compliance and to provide appropriate avenues for preserving Wells College's legacy," Chapman Carroll said.聽
Gallery: A virtual tour of Wells College on its closing day
Macmillan Hall has classrooms and offices for administrative staff, including the president's office.聽
Cleveland Hall at Wells College. The building is named for Frances Folsom Cleveland, the former first lady who was a Wells College alumna.聽
Ryerson Commons, which housed the college's dining hall, is named for former Wells College President Lisa Marsh Ryerson.聽
Morgan Hall at Wells College.聽
An entrance to Morgan Hall at Wells College.聽
Main Building at Wells College.聽
A dumpster is outside Barler Recital Hall at Wells College.聽
Smith Hall at Wells College.聽
An entrance to Long Library at Wells College.聽
Helen Fairchild Smith Hall at Wells College.聽
Stratton Hall at Wells College housed the school's math and science departments.聽
Schwartz Athletic Center includes dance studios, a fitness center, gymnasiums and a pool.聽
The Helen Phelps Leach House, a residence hall on the Wells College campus.聽
Dodge House, one of the residence halls on the Wells College campus.聽
Glen Park, a residence hall at Wells College.聽
Weld House, one of the residence halls on the Wells College campus.聽
A door at the entrance to Weld House, one of Wells College's residence halls.聽
The Pettibone House is where Wells College's admissions office was located.
Zabriskie Hall, which housed the Sullivan Center for Business and Entreprenurship, the Center for Sustainability and the Environment, the college store and computer labs.聽
Signs posted on doors to Main Building inform visitors that only current employees are authorized the enter the facility.聽
Susan Henking
Government reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding.
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Series: Complete coverage of Wells College closing
Robert Harding
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