August 29, 2011

For Immediate Release

New Hastings College President:  Class of 2015 “most talented first-year class to enroll in the past 25 years”

(Hastings, Neb.) – As the Class of 2015 processed into the New Student Days Welcoming Convocation on Friday, August 26, 2011, it brought palpable excitement and impressive brain power to the Lynn Farrell Arena on the Hastings College campus.  The class’s average ACT score of 24.1 is the highest on record for the 129 year old college. 

But according to President Dennis Trotter -- himself new to the college this fall, the numbers do not tell the entire story.

“You have to be here to experience the electricity of [Hastings College choir member] Mario Powell belting out a spiritual and to appreciate the openness of [Student Association President] Jake Wardyn discussing his stutter before a filled arena.  If you’ve seen that, you’ve seen everything you need to know about Hastings College,” Dennis Trotter, who officially began his duties on June 1, 2011, said.

“At Hastings College, I have a nearly 130 year old heritage to sustain and for future generations.  My role is stewardship.”  

For more information or to schedule an interview with President Dennis Trotter, contact Alicia O’Donnell at (402) 705-0120.

Bio for Dennis Trotter

Mr. Dennis Trotter has served as the Vice President for College Advancement at Pitzer College (CA) since 2008, following four years at Franklin and Marshall College (PA) where he was Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing/Dean of Admission. Prior to his last two assignments, Mr. Trotter served as the Chief Admission Officer at Coe College (IA), St. Martin’s College (WA), and Sheldon Jackson College (AK). He is currently working toward the completion of his Ph.D. at the Claremont Graduate University’s School of Educational Studies with an emphasis in Higher Education Leadership. He completed his M.B.A. at the University of Iowa and his undergraduate degree at Whitworth College (WA). Trotter is married to Trina Johnsten. 

Hastings College, founded in 1882, is a private, four-year liberal arts institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). A total of 64 majors in 32 areas of study and 12 pre-professional programs are offered to more than 1,190 students. Hastings College was named among “America’s Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report, a “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review, and a “Best Buy in College Education” by Barron’s. Visit www.hastings.edu for more information.

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