Interim College President Announced
In November, John Williams, professor of political science and Asian studies, was appointed interim president of Principia College, replacing Dr. Jolanda Westerhof, who resigned in late October. Dean of academics Dr. Meggan Madden capably filled the role of acting College president until December 16, when Williams took over as interim president.
Professor Williams has taught at the College for more than three decades, including serving several terms as president of the Faculty Senate. A 1976 graduate of Principia College with a juris doctor degree from The George Washington University, he was the inaugural recipient of the Horace Edwin Harper Jr. and Evelyn Wright Harper Award for Teaching Excellence in 2013 and is a popular lecturer for the Principia Lifelong Learning and Summer Session programs.
Dr. Westerhof’s resignation was voluntary, and she requested it to be effective immediately. In an open forum on campus the following day, a statement from the Board of Trustees included gratitude for Dr. Westerhof’s “service and contributions to Principia, for her deep expressions of love and care for our students, and for her attention to diversity and inclusion.” Boxes across campus were available for several weeks to collect gratitude notes from students, faculty, and staff for delivery to Dr. Westerhof.
If you would like to recommend candidates to be considered for the next College president, please send your recommendations to search@principia.edu.