Op-Ed: New Captain at the Washington College Helm

Washington College begins its 232nd year with a new interim president at the helm.

Jack (Jay) Griswold, a former chair of the Board of Visitors and Governors, was selected to fill this position after the resignation of Dr. Mitchell Reiss, who had been the president for the last four years.

The new college year has already begun, with some 1,400 students attending the college this year. There will be some 342 freshmen, traversing through its historic and hallowed halls.

As students and faculty return to campus this year, Washington College, like many institutions throughout the nation, will face significant competition in recruiting students; increasing tuition; growing student long-term debt; and discussions concerning the role of liberal arts colleges and their purpose, mission, and educational offerings. Facing the challenges of technology and its implications for the future of college education is a major issue affecting all colleges. These issues and their ramifications, though troubling, are necessary and certainly relevant. These matters will have impact on the education of future leaders the college works to prepare.

Even as acting president, Mr. Griswold will face many of these issues along with the fiscal health of the college, its plant and facilities, and its ongoing relationship with the town of Chestertown. The college has been, and continues to be, a significant economic engine in the town. Relations between a new mayor, the acting college president, and the town council will be important factors in the future development of both entities. Internally, relatively new individuals hold many of the top administrative positions at the school. That, combined with multiple presidents over the last few years, presents its own challenges and opportunities.

Mr. Griswold, as a past chairman of the Board, a parent of a Washington College graduate, and a successful fundraiser for the college, brings a significant background to the position of interim president. Rather than a caretaker, he has the tools to assist the college to move forward in the future. His background in finance, banking, and real estate are all assets. This background, should allow the college’s board the time and insight in the selection of the next president of America’s tenth oldest college.

A quality college education is essential in the economy of the 21st century. As campuses across the land open this year, let us hope both academic freedom and traditions will continue and enhance efforts to attain new educational achievements and understandings. These concepts and realities remain an important component of the American dream.