You have /5 articles left.
Sign up for a free account or log in.
Washington & Jefferson College announced Friday that its next president will be John C. Knapp (right), president of Hope College. Statements from both Washington & Jefferson and Hope were standard for this kind of transition, praising Knapp. Some at Hope, however, are worried about the transition. Knapp has been president there since 2013. Last year, some board members attempted to oust him. The move failed when students, faculty members and alumni rallied behind Knapp, whom they saw as someone devoted to shared governance, the college's liberal arts mission and seeking ways to advance the mission of the Reformed Church in America, with which Hope is affiliated, while also being more welcoming to gay people and to people of other faiths.
Privately, faculty supporters of Knapp at Hope said they hope Knapp's agenda continues, but that they are worried it may not.
Asked about his job change and last year's tensions, Knapp said via email, "During my tenure as president, the college has been strengthened in nearly every area, thanks to the support and shared vision of Hope's dedicated faculty, staff, students and alumni. Despite the challenges we faced last year, Hope College is better positioned than ever to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment. I am tremendously honored to be president-elect of W&J, which has a stellar academic reputation and storied history."
