Another First For Will

Tufts graduate Katherine Haley Will was chosen over more than 100 applicants to become the first woman president in Gettysburg College’s 171 year history.

Gettysburg, Penn. [12-12-03] The Trustees of Gettysburg College named Tufts graduate Katherine Haley Will as the institution’s 13th president following a special meeting of the board last week. Will– who has been president of Whittier College since 1999 – will be the first woman to lead Gettysburg in its 171 year history.

“I have been received so warmly,” Will told reporters after she was introduced to Gettysburg’s students, faculty and staff.

More than 100 applicants were considered for the post since the search began in early summer. Will’s record as a leader in higher education helped her stand out.

“Will was the best candidate for the job in a very strong and competitive applicant pool,” Charles Widger – chair of the Gettysburg College Board of Trustees – told reporters. “Kate’s experience as a scholar, college president and visionary leader will serve our institution well.”

During her tenure at Whittier – where she was also the first female president in the institution’s history – Will oversaw several key strategic planning and fundraising initiatives.

“Will completed facilitation of a comprehensive planning process which resulted in a 10-year plan for the college,” reported the Gettysburg Times. “She oversaw Whittier’s 10 year reaffirmation of accreditation and completed the fundraising for a $15 million technological upgrade and expansion of Whittier’s library and information technology center.”

The Tufts graduate – who received an honorary degree from Tufts in 2002 – has already begun focusing on Gettysburg’s community.

“I think the key thing is to get to know as many people as possible,” she told the Times. “I want to be very involved with the community.”