Hobart and William Smith Colleges on Thursday named their new president, Gregory Vincent.
He is described as a national expert on civil rights, social justice and campus culture, Vincent currently serves at The University of Texas at Austin as Vice President for Diversity and Community Engagement, W.K. Kellogg Professor of Community College Leadership and Professor of Law.
Vincent is also a 1983 graduate of Hobart and William Smith.
The New York City native will replace Mark Gearan, who has served as president of HWS since 1999. Gearan is leaving by July to become ‘President in Residence at Harvard University.
Vincent will be the 27th president of Hobart College and 16th president of William Smith College.
The two schools were founded as separate colleges, but are now administered jointly in Geneva.
"I am deeply honored to be selected as the president of Hobart and William Smith," says Vincent, who is the first alumnus in the Colleges' history to serve in the role. "As a proud alumnus, I know first-hand the transformative power of an HWS education."
"Dr. Vincent is an exemplary educator, scholar and leader whose experiences in higher education administration and community engagement are an ideal fit for Hobart and William Smith," said Board Chair Thomas Bozzuto. "Selected from a large number of very qualified applicants, Greg's character, vision and expertise were obvious. He has dedicated his life to ensuring access to education and to providing opportunities for students to succeed. We are thrilled to welcome him and confident in his ability to lead the Colleges into a new era of achievement."
Gearan had previously served in the Clinton White House as Assistant to the President and Director of Communications and Strategic Planning. Gearan was also director of the Peace Corps from 1995 to 1999.
