Colby College President David A. Greene: A Visionary Leader for the 21st Century Greene’s Key Initiatives Greene’s Impact on Colby College Conclusion

Introduction

David A. Greene took over as the 20th president of Colby College on July 1, 2000. During his tenure, he has overseen a period of tremendous growth and transformation for the institution. Under his leadership, Colby has become a national leader in the liberal arts, with a reputation for academic excellence and a commitment to social responsibility.

Early Life and Education

David A. Greene was born in New York City in 1957. He graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University in 1979 with a degree in English literature. He earned his Ph.D. in English literature from Harvard University in 1986.

Academic Career

Before coming to Colby, Greene was a professor of English at the University of Virginia, where he taught courses in American literature and the history of the book. He held the positions of chair of the English department and associate dean for the humanities at UVA.

Presidency of Colby College

Greene became president of Colby College in 2000. Since then, he has led the institution through a period of significant growth and change. Under his leadership, Colby has:

• Increased its endowment from $300 million to over $1 billion.
• Expanded its academic offerings, adding new majors, minors, and programs.
• Increased its student body by 25%, to over 2,000 students.
• Improved its academic reputation, becoming ranked among the top 25 liberal arts colleges in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
• Increased its commitment to social responsibility, becoming a leader in the field of sustainability and community engagement.

Greene’s Vision for Colby

Greene’s vision for Colby is to create a “distinctively Colby education” that is based on the liberal arts and prepares students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, and ethical leaders. He believes that Colby should be a place where students can “learn how to learn” and develop the skills they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Greene’s Leadership Style

Greene is known as a collaborative and visionary leader. He is a strong advocate for faculty and staff, and he has worked to create a positive and supportive work environment. Greene is also a passionate believer in the power of education, and he is committed to making Colby College a place where all students can reach their full potential.

Awards and Recognition

Greene has received numerous awards and recognition for his work at Colby College. In 2016, he was named one of the “100 Most Influential People in Higher Education” by the Chronicle of Higher Education. He has also been awarded the Maine Humanities Council’s Longfellow Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts and Humanities.

Conclusion

David A. Greene is a visionary leader who has had a profound impact on Colby College. Under his leadership, Colby has become a national leader in the liberal arts and a place where students can thrive both academically and personally. Greene is committed to ensuring that Colby College continues to provide its students with a transformative educational experience that will prepare them to succeed in the 21st century.

During his tenure as president, David A. Greene has launched a number of key initiatives that have helped to transform Colby College. These initiatives include:

• The Colby Plan: A comprehensive plan for the future of Colby College that was developed through a collaborative process involving faculty, staff, students, alumni, and trustees. The Colby Plan outlines a vision for the institution that is based on the liberal arts and prepares students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, and ethical leaders.
• The Center for the Arts and Humanities: A new center that will provide a vibrant space for students, faculty, and the community to engage with the arts and humanities. The center will include a new art museum, a concert hall, and a lecture hall.
• The Davis Institute for Sustainability: A new institute that will focus on research and teaching in the field of sustainability. The institute will bring together faculty from across the disciplines to work on solutions to environmental challenges.
• The Colby Community Partnership: A new initiative that will connect Colby College more closely with the Waterville community. The partnership will include a variety of programs and initiatives that will benefit both the college and the community.

These initiatives are just a few examples of Greene’s commitment to making Colby College a national leader in the liberal arts. Under his leadership, Colby has become a more vibrant and intellectually stimulating community, and it is well-positioned to continue to thrive in the years to come.

Greene’s impact on Colby College has been profound. Under his leadership, the institution has become a national leader in the liberal arts and a place where students can thrive both academically and personally. Here are some specific examples of Greene’s impact:

• Increased academic reputation: Colby College is now ranked among the top 25 liberal arts colleges in the country by U.S. News & World Report. This is due in part to Greene’s commitment to academic excellence and his support for faculty research and teaching.
• Increased student body: Colby College has increased its student body by 25% since Greene became president. This is due in part to his efforts to make Colby more accessible to students from all backgrounds.
• Improved campus environment: Greene has worked to create a more positive and supportive campus environment for students, faculty, and staff. He has invested in new facilities and programs, and he has created a more inclusive and equitable community.
• Stronger community partnerships: Colby College is now more closely connected with the Waterville community than ever before. Greene has worked to build relationships with local businesses, schools, and organizations.
• Increased endowment: Colby College’s endowment has grown from $300 million to over $1 billion since Greene became president. This has allowed the institution to invest in new programs and initiatives, and it has helped to secure Colby’s financial future.

Greene’s impact on Colby College is undeniable. Under his leadership, the institution has become a more vibrant and intellectually stimulating community, and it is well-positioned to continue to thrive in the years to come.

David A. Greene is a visionary leader who has made a significant impact on Colby College. Under his leadership, the institution has become a national leader in the liberal arts and a place where students can thrive both academically and personally. Greene’s vision for Colby is to create a “distinctively Colby education” that is based on the liberal arts and prepares students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, and ethical leaders. He is committed to making Colby College a place where all students can reach their full potential.