September 1, 2011

For Immediate Release

Hastings College Vice President for Student Affairs Resigns to Assume Presidency at Community College

Note to media: For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Chief of Staff Matt Fong at (402) 461-7326 or mfong@hastings.edu.

(Hastings, Neb.) – Hastings College President Dennis Trotter has announced that Dr. Ron Chesbrough has resigned from his position as Vice President for Student Affairs at Hastings College to become President of St. Charles Community College near St. Louis in St. Charles County, Missouri.  Chesbrough’s last day at HC will be September 30, 2011.

“I regret that the timing of my departure is what it is, but the right opportunity is often imperfectly timed, and that is the case with this opportunity for me,” Dr. Chesbrough said.

“I am particularly aggrieved to leave Hastings College as President Trotter assumes the mantle of leadership here.  His vision for the college and the energy and commitment with which he has begun his presidency has been inspirational.” 

Dr. Chesbrough joined Hastings College in 2005.  During his tenure he increased first-year student retention by ten percent (2008-present); created and served as co-director of the Kemper Program in Social Entrepreneurship; and worked closely with the Hastings College Foundation’s fundraising efforts for the construction of a student fitness center, student-run coffee shop and all-night computer center. 

While at Hastings College, Ron served as Chair of the Small Colleges & Universities Division of NASPA, Region IV-West, and as contributing editor of Student Affairs Leader, a national publication devoted to best practice in student services.  He has published and presented nationally on such topics as campus safety, student success and persistence, and student learning outcomes from service.   Ron was recently named to the Council of Independent Colleges 2011-2012 Executive Leadership Academy.

“I’m not surprised that Ron has been noticed on a national level.  He has been an outstanding contributor to our success at Hastings College.   We appreciate all he has done for HC and we wish Ron and his family the best in their transition,” President Trotter said.

Additionally, Chesbrough has been active in the Hastings community, chairing the record-breaking South Central Nebraska United Way fundraising campaign in 2010 and serving on the Hastings Museum Board of Trustees.

“The last six years here have been among the most rewarding of my professional and personal life.  We are blessed with the most amazing faculty, staff, and students that I have worked with in my career.  I will always cherish my memories of the time I have spent in Hastings and at Hastings College.”

The Rev. Joan McCarthy has been named interim Vice President for this academic year.  Rev. McCarthy has been at Hastings College since 2002 serving as the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs/Associate Dean of Students. 

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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