BEREA, Ohio — Changes in leadership are coming to Baldwin Wallace University for the 2024-25 school year.
On Wednesday morning, the school announced that its current president, Dr. Robert Helmer, is retiring, effective June 30.
“It has been my privilege to lead an institution with such a long and storied history – one that for nearly 180 years has been meeting student needs and preparing individuals to succeed both personally and professionally as proud Baldwin Wallace graduates,” Dr. Helmer said in a statement. “I have been blessed throughout my tenure here to have worked with an amazing faculty, a dedicated staff, challenging and inspiring students, and a board with vision and determination. Together, we have accomplished a great deal and are taking the sometimes-daunting steps to address the new financial landscape higher education across America faces today. I feel confident I am leaving Baldwin Wallace prepared to continue its mission serving those who seek an education based on the values of the arts and sciences, and the needs of the 21st century.”
Before coming to Baldwin Wallace University, Dr. Helmer spent nine years as president of Lourdes University in Sylvania. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame and The Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium. Additionally, he received his Ph.D. from Marquette University and his J.D. from the University of Toledo.
"We want to thank Bob for his many contributions to Baldwin Wallace during his 12-year tenure," said Lee Thomas, chair of the Baldwin Wallace University Board of Trustees. "That includes transforming our STEM capabilities, developing our latest strategic plan and expanding our campus to include the new Austin E. Knowlton Center for Sciences and our new health sciences building. Under Bob's leadership, the university was successful with its $135 million Campaign for the Extraordinary and also secured the largest financial gift in the university's history. At every turn, he has looked for ways to improve the student experience at BW, including expanding health and wellness services, adding new residence space and creating a new bookstore. He is an avid supporter of our athletes, as well as our artists and performers. Beyond our classrooms, he has helped us build a campus that embodies the best of a residential university, with spaces for students to gather, activities to promote a sense of community, opportunities for service and engagement — all within an environment that encourages diversity and diversity of thought."
Baldwin Wallace also announced that the school's board of trustees has established an "Office of the President," which will oversee the university's operations while the search for the school's next president begins.
Dr. Thomas Sutton, who has been named acting president and provost, will oversee the office. Sutton is a longtime political science professor at Baldwin Wallace. Previously, he served as the interim provost for the university and has held a range of leadership roles at BW, including interim dean of the schools of humanities and social sciences, president of the BW faculty senate, chair of the political science department and the Burton D. Morgan Chair in entrepreneurial studies.
In addition to Sutton, he will be joined in the Office of the President by Greg Cingle, chief financial officer; Greg Flanik, vice president for operations; and Ellen Zegarra, vice president of philanthropy.
According to Baldwin Wallace, "The group will report to a special three-member Board Advisory Committee, charged with making sure the university continues to focus on keeping Baldwin Wallace fiscally strong and structured to grow during a time when many colleges and universities – especially in Ohio – are facing significant challenges, including declines in revenues and enrollment."
The school's leadership transition announcement comes nearly three months after the university announced layoffs and program cuts amid a budget deficit. To address the problem, the university approved a "cost-effective plan" in January, which laid off 23 employees and cut 13 programs from the school.
Thomas also noted that the board will be conducting a national search to find Dr. Helmer’s successor.
“Running a university today is a demanding job,” Thomas said. “We intend to conduct a comprehensive, thoughtful search for the individual with the experience and expertise to run an institution as complex as any corporation, with a highly educated and engaged workforce, and students building a future with the knowledge and skills we provide them. BW deserves our very best efforts to find that person."
