|
 Gerlach will replace John Blackburn, who is retiring
after a distinguished career in business and a record of service as
a long-time board member and then president at Lincoln College.
Gerlach will become Lincoln College president on June 15, 2015.
Gerlach’s selection was announced to college employees Monday, after
the presidential selection committee narrowed down the field of
applicants to three highly qualified candidates. “It was the
consensus that [Gerlach’s] strong background and track record in
student services, enrollment management, and fundraising positioned
him well to lead the college in addressing its highest priorities
now and in the foreseeable future,” the announcement noted.
Gerlach has more than 30 years of education experience, including
spending the last 11 years as vice president for advancement at the
State University of New York-Canton, which is located about 30 miles
from the Canadian border in rural upstate New York. There he led the
school to its highest student enrollment numbers in four of the last
six years, multiplied the campus foundation’s financial assets,
earned provisional membership in NCAA Division III athletics and
doubled the number of student athletes.
Gerlach has a doctorate in philosophy from Syracuse University and
degrees from three other New York higher education institutions. He
and his wife, Lisa, have two grown children and look forward to
moving to central Illinois from northern New York state.
[to top of second column] |
“David’s credentials, knowledge of higher education and experience leading a
campus to new heights impressed us from the outset,” said Bob Neal, chairman of
the Lincoln College Board of Trustees. “John Blackburn has been an important
leader and supporter of Lincoln College for many years. We are confident David
Gerlach is ready to take over and build on John’s track record of success.”
“Lisa and I are excited to take this next step in our lives together by taking
over the leadership of Lincoln College,” Gerlach said. “We were quite impressed
by the campus facilities and the people who make up the campus community when we
visited a few weeks ago. We look forward to arriving in June, getting to know
everyone over the summer and building on the great reputation Lincoln College
has of being a special place for a college education in central Illinois.”
[Tracy Bergin, Lincoln College]
|
