Ruud takes reins at Marietta College
New president installed in inauguration ceremony
MARIETTA — Kicking off a weekend of school and community pride for Marietta College employees, students and alumni, the community welcomed William “Bill” Ruud, 64, to the institution as its 19th president on Friday with an inauguration ceremony.
“When Dr. Ruud and his wife Judy arrived on campus we found a new energy,” said Debra Wayland, chair of the college’s Staff Advisory Council. “In fact we called it a ‘Ruud’ awakening.”
Excitement, confidence and a vision for the future of the college and the institution’s role in the community emanated from faculty and local residents Friday at Ruud’s inauguration.
“He has already shown great leadership and initiative since he arrived,” said Ohio Rep. Andy Thompson, R-Marietta. “His engagement in Rotary both in Marietta and Parkersburg shows that he’s committed to building relationships with the people of this area. Missteps in the past have been in not engaging the community fully.”
Ruud follows Joseph Bruno as the leader of the college. Bruno’s exit at the end of the spring semester followed downsizing among faculty and staff and a discussion of a vote of no confidence just before Bruno’s resignation. The college eliminated 39 positions from 2014 to 2016.
“We’re now excited about a clear vision and it’s a real turning point for the college,” said Janet Bland, provost of the Marietta College. “The real victory is he is exactly what we were looking for in the search for a new president. Out of more than 120 applicants, he’s the most suited for this public position and is enthusiastic to help us grow.”
Ruud mentioned several of his goals for the institution Friday, including growing both the academic and athletic programs of Marietta College.
“We’d like to grow back to the 1,400 student body in the next five years, and increase our endowment to $100 million,” he said. “But we also need to reward our faculty and staff and recognize the work that they do. It is only through them that we will develop the health care fields, the sciences and the liberal arts programs here.”
The new president also issued a challenge for local residents to become more involved and invested in the success of the college.
“I want massive pride in this college, not just from its students but from this town,” he said. “Come to our games, if you’re an alumni of the college get involved in the local association and initiate service days, trivia nights at the Townhouse and alumni sections at our basketball games, crew races and football games.”
As a parent and a practicing lawyer in Marietta, Flite Friemann said he hopes Ruud connects with local parents and shows them how much of an asset having an institution of higher learning in town is.
“When parents understand what a great education their children can get from here, they can help fuel our economy and keep these young people here for the prosperity of our area,” he said. “Marietta is so fortunate to have someone come in who is so focused on open communication and increasing the community’s pride in not only the academics, but also the sports aspect. We need to be the ones selling out games for baseball, football and basketball. We need to take pride in the support of the college.”
Marietta City Councilman Roger Kalter, D-1st Ward, said he was invigorated by the spirit and energy he has witnessed not only by Ruud but also by his wife since their arrival in July.
“I’ve seen them both regularly walking down Putnam Street,” he said. “It’s so evident that they want to be a part of the community, and with them representing one of our biggest economic engines it’s exciting to see how they have already jumped in to supporting the huge volunteer base that the students provide for so many city and civic organization’s service projects.”
Prior to joining Marietta College in July, Ruud served as the 10th president of the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa, from 2013 to 2016. He was the 15th president of Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania from 2007 to 2013. U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Ohio, said Ruud’s background in the military would also help focus the direction for the college.
“The way you bring people together, whether they be your staff or your community, is by stepping out in front and leading, showing them that you’re there to work right alongside them,” he said. “He’s got the results-oriented mindset to do that, and I believe that comes from his service.”