With a nod to its storied past and a focus on its next chapter, members of the Wilkes University community and honored guests gathered to welcome James Cousins, PhD as the institution’s eighth president.
John Kuiken, associate professor of history and director of the Honors and Scholars Program, as well as a member of the presidential search committee, greeted members of the crowd from the podium. While he mentioned that higher education as a whole faces challenges, Kuiken emphasized that Wilkes University — founded during the Great Depression — has overcome uncertainty in the past by staying true to one core idea.
“Improving the lives of the people who walked through the door of Wilkes was not simply about providing economic value to their future careers, but was rather a holistic vision of creating well-rounded people who would positively impact all facets of their society economically, socially, intellectually, politically and artistically,” says Kuiken. “The people who have made up Wilkes University throughout our history have embraced this vision and have worked to achieve it in a variety of ways.”
Kuiken went on to praise the leadership of those like Arnaud Marts and Admiral Harold Stark, who were instrumental in the creation of Bucknell University Junior College, which would become Wilkes College, then Wilkes University. He lauded more recent visionaries like Paul Adams, who spent more than 40 years at Wilkes and retired as vice president of student affairs, and Mark Allen, associate vice president for student life and success. Kuiken also thanked donors in attendance, including Theresa Karambelas, Harry Hiscox and Jack and Mary Claire Borzell, whose generous support has helped to transform the lives of Wilkes students.
Before wrapping his remarks, Kuiken looked to the past, sharing words from Eugene Farley, the first president of Wilkes, whose thoughts on access to higher education still stand at the heart of the University’s mission: “Educational opportunities for all are essential if we are to develop the leaders so badly needed in all fields of human endeavor.”
Kuiken then welcomed Bill Miller ’81, chair of the Board of Trustees and the presidential search committee. Miller thanked members of the committee and shared the impressive response to the presidential search. “We had over 150 candidates for the presidency of Wilkes, which speaks to the strength of this institution,” says Miller. “This was a tremendous effort, and the committee handled it with responsibility and professionalism.”
Miller echoed Kuiken in acknowledging the challenges faced by higher education, stressing Wilkes University’s ability to address those challenges by adapting and meeting the needs of students at all stages of their academic journey. He further emphasized the importance of a focus on the future.
“We meet these challenges with a clear vision for the future. Part of that vision is a leader who appreciates the great responsibility that comes with that role. A leader who actively listens and learns, understands that trust is built and earned, and born from mutual respect,” says Miller. “A leader who communicates clearly with intention, creates alignment through transparency and consistency, leads through service and by example. A leader who is able to take the best parts of Wilkes and celebrate them fully while pushing our campus community to continually improve to reach our fullest potential.”
Before inviting Cousins to the podium, Miller offered a brief career background. Cousins served as the 36th president of Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, Kentucky, following his time as the institution’s provost and vice president of academic affairs. He previously focused on the student experience as an associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences at Western Michigan University.
Cousins opened his remarks with thanks to those who made the event possible, as well as the search committee and Board of Trustees for trusting him with Wilkes University’s next chapter.
“I understand the responsibility, the significant responsibility, that comes with this charge, and I’m so very honored to serve as Wilkes University’s eighth president,” says Cousins.
He also thanked his wife, Carrie, and his son, JP. “It’s a professional decision, but it’s foremost, I think, a family decision,” says Cousins. “We talked a lot about what it meant to come here to join this community, to make a home and a life here and become part of campus life and part of Wilkes-Barre. We’re all incredibly proud to be here and grateful to be here.”
Cousins also addressed the question of “Why Wilkes?”
He highlighted the University’s focus on student success, high-quality teaching and scholarship, the program mix, the pride of those who work on campus and their connection with students.
“It [Wilkes] is that rare combination of breadth and depth. Undergraduate, graduate, doctoral programs, and depth, still so personal and so meaningful that students can be known by name. And then a part of your heart goes with them as they cross that stage in four years.”
As for what’s next, Cousins noted he will spend time learning from faculty and staff and getting to know the students.
“In the near term, you can expect listening, trust building, thinking and planning,” says Cousins. “So, to the students of Wilkes, I look forward to knowing you as you see me around, and you will see a lot of me in the coming days and years. Please help me get to know you.”
Cousins has already had an opportunity to get to know sophomore mechanical engineering major Emma Miller, who, along with fourth-year pharmacy student John Buonanno, served as student representatives to the presidential search committee.
Miller spoke to share her insight to the search process, which she referred to as an opportunity of a lifetime that began just four months into her college career. During the search, it was her goal to identify a candidate who embodied the spirit and values of Wilkes.
“For us, it was Dr. Cousins,” says Miller. “He desires a personal connection with everyone he meets. He’s determined to learn your name and form a relationship nwith you. He’s proven to get involved in athletics and art performances, or even in a game of chess in the dining hall.”
Miller also noted that she looks forward to the next chapter of open communication and trust on campus, enhanced living and learning experiences for students, and keeping proud Wilkes traditions alive once Cousins begins his tenure on Aug. 1.
“On behalf of the student body, Dr. Cousins, welcome to the Colonel family.”