DePauw professor named president of Hampden-Sydney College

Thursday, March 3, 2016

DePauw University Professor of Economics and Management John Lawrence "Larry" Stimpert has been appointed the 25th president of Hampden-Sydney College.

Stimpert's unanimous selection as announced Thursday by the board of trustees follows a six-month national search.

Founded in 1775, Hampden-Sydney is an all-male liberal arts college of 1,100 students located in Virginia.

Larry Stimpert

"We're excited by what we know Dr. Stimpert is going to be able to accomplish for Hampden-Sydney," M. Peebles Harrison, chairman of the college's board, said. "Not only does he have impeccable credentials as an academic leader, he has demonstrated the kind of vision and skill that will be necessary to lead the institution as a whole."

Stimpert, who also served as DePauw's vice president for academic affairs, came to DePauw in 2013 from Colorado College, where he was a professor of economics and business. Stimpert also served as a distinguished visiting professor at the U.S. Air Force Academy and as an ACE Fellow and special assistant to the president at Earlham College.

He's also been on the faculty of the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University.

Before starting his academic career, Stimpert worked for the Southern Railway Co., Norfolk Southern Corp. and the Chicago and North Western Transportation Co.

"My family and I are looking forward to our move to Hampden-Sydney and to the next chapter in our lives," Stimpert said. "But we will always be grateful to the many members of the DePauw and Greencastle communities who embraced and befriended us and did so much to make us feel welcome here. Lesley and I especially appreciate the friends and parents who made our kids feel at home in a new place, and we also thank the dedicated teachers and coaches who have challenged Connor and Renee to contribute their very best to their classes, teams, and activities.

"I am grateful for the opportunities I've had to work with DePauw's talented and dedicated faculty members who so positively impact our students and prepare them for lives of great meaning and consequence," Stimpert added.

"It was a daily privilege for me to work alongside the extraordinarily dedicated Academic Affairs team, and to bear witness to the devoted staff members across campus who do so much to support our university's educational mission," he said. "In the classroom, I have been richly rewarded by my interactions with DePauw students and the one-on-one encounters that are such a part of the culture. My family and I will prepare to depart with great appreciation to all."

Marshall Reavis, chairman of DePauw's Board of Trustees, wished Stimpert well in his new venture.

"As an alumnus and the parent of a student of Professor Stimpert, I thank Larry for his service to DePauw and extend our congratulations on his appointment at Hampden-Sydney," Reavis said. "I have valued my friendship with Larry and know firsthand from my son, Mitch, who has taken two classes from him, that Dr. Stimpert is a gifted teacher who greatly impacts students. DePauw wishes him the very best."

Adds Mary P. Dixon, professor emerita of economics and management and special consultant to the vice president for academic affairs, "Through my work with Larry, I know his commitment to the liberal arts, entrepreneurship and leadership development are integral to his teaching and administration. His high character, effective leadership and creative problem-solving skills will undoubtedly help Hampden-Sydney continue its long tradition of graduating men of honor and integrity. Hampton-Sydney is getting an exceptional person and I wish him all the best."

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  • we will miss this family in Greencastle!

    -- Posted by talkymom3 on Thu, Mar 3, 2016, at 3:45 PM
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