Trachte began his presidency in July 2013. During his inauguration, he affirmed his belief in the mission of the College and that an education centered on the liberal arts and sciences provides the truest foundation upon which to build a life of meaning and purpose. He holds true to that sentiment today. Trachte shared that he is most proud of launching a first-generation recruitment initiative based on partnerships with leading national charter schools and access programs. This has led to enrolling a student body that has become quantifiably more national, diverse, and global. To provide this student body with first rate instruction, Trachte, shortly after taking office, made it a goal to raise faculty salaries to attract and keep the best faculty possible. Additionally, many new academic programs have been added to the curriculum. Majors added during his term include computer science, biochemistry, neuroscience, medieval studies, film and video arts, anthropology, environmental science, performing arts management, and new major tracks in archaeology. Minors in Latin American studies and entrepreneurship were also added. “President Trachte worked to offer transformative experiences for our students, particularly our first-generation college students, such as increased study abroad, summer internships, and other enhanced academic experiences. Kent supported the growth of academic programs and initiatives that were desired by faculty and the campus community,” shared Rachel Hickoff-Cresko, Ed.D., associate professor of education and chair of the department. “The education department has always felt strongly supported by President Trachte, whether it was through our desire to provide teaching experiences in the Dominican Republic, to take future teachers to Italy to learn about the Reggio Emilia approach, or to create a partnership with a local education agency to permit students with special needs to have school and work experience on campus among their sameage peers.” Probably the most visible result of Trachte’s leadership has been the transformation of the physical campus. During his 11-year term, $65 million was invested in campus facilities. Early years saw the construction of the Lynn Science Center (2015) followed by the Krapf Gateway Center (2019). In Kent Trachte’s eyes, all things were possible. He pushed the College to strive for things that most of us thought were out of reach, and because of that vision, Lycoming College is a much better place. As provost for much of Kent’s tenure, I am confident that the fruits of the ambition and aspiration he brought to our community will continue well beyond his 12 years at Lycoming. - Philip Sprunger, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Economics and Former Provost 12 LYCOMING COLLEGE 2025 SPRING MAGAZINE
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