Executive Vice Chancellor for Administration John E. Klein has been named as the ninth president of Randolph College in Lynchburg, Va. The board of trustees of the liberal arts college, which is transitioning from a women’s college to a co-educational institution, announced its selection of Klein June 13 following a national search. Klein will begin his term in August.
According to a press release issued by the college, founded as Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in 1891, the presidential search committee unanimously recommended Klein to the board of trustees, citing his wealth of experience in leadership, educational administration, business and fund raising, as well as his international background and lifelong interest in young people.
“I am very excited about becoming the ninth president of Randolph College,” said Klein, who serves as WUSTL’s chief operating officer overseeing most non-academic activities, including finance, facilities, human resources, information technology and real estate. “It is a very special place with an impressive past and great prospects for the future.
“Admitting men this fall will be a new experience for everyone; however, we will not forget this college’s long history and commitment to women’s values. I will work to build on the very real sense of community that exists at the college; on the excellence of its academic programs, faculty and students; and on the global diversity of its student body and programs.”
Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton noted that Klein has made important contributions to WUSTL since his arrival in 2004, most notably in the area of financial affairs.
“John Klein and his wife, Susan, will both be valuable contributors in their new setting and will be missed in St. Louis and at Washington University,” Wrighton said. “However, it is rewarding that John can use his experiences here to lead an important academic institution, and I wish him every success in his new role.”
To read the complete news release from Randolph College, visit randolphcollege.edu/newsevents/pressreleases/news_detail.asp?id=636.