write to you for the last time as the 15th president of this fine institution. I have been pondering the timing of my retirement for several years now, and I am confident that the end of this academic year is the right time to step down from this honorable role. The trustees have now named Dr. Chip Edmonds as the 16th president of the College. I congratulate Chip, and we have begun working to ensure a smooth transition. In my inaugural address on April 5, 2014, I echoed the words of the College’s tenth president, D. Frederic Wertz, and invited the Lycoming community to “Dare to Dream.” During The Campaign for a Greater Lycoming, we challenged ourselves to “Dare to Do.” You, the trustees, alumni, students, faculty, parents, and staff have responded with great ideas and remarkable energy over the past eleven years. Many supporters and friends from the City of Williamsport and Lycoming County have been invaluable partners in executing our strategic objectives. Together, we have transformed our institution into one of the very best national liberal arts colleges that lives up to the words “We Change Lives.” I am grateful to everyone who has been part of this amazing journey. As you know, American higher education is undergoing a disruption of historical significance. You should be confident that Lycoming College is positioned to thrive in the future. We have recruited a very diverse student body that draws from talented pools around the country and the world and that looks like the population that will be attending college in the future. The College has been engaged in continuous curricular innovation adding new academic programs and revising many preexisting ones. When combined with the Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences, we have built a model 21st-century liberal arts curriculum. Through our steadfast commitment and dedication, even during the tribulations of a global pandemic, we now rank as one of the nation’s Top 100 liberal arts colleges, something of which I am most proud. I am deeply grateful to our exceptional faculty, dedicated staff, and loyal alumni for entrusting me with the privilege of shepherding this remarkable institution for nearly 12 years. Your unwavering support, hard work, and shared commitment to our mission have been the foundation of everything we’ve accomplished together. I have also been fortunate to work with many committed and thoughtful trustees, especially Board Chairs Peter Lynn, Stan Sloter, and Mark Fultz. Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not extend my heartfelt gratitude to my wife, Sharon, for her unwavering support and contributions throughout my tenure. Her presence and dedication to this institution have been an integral part of our shared legacy, and I am grateful for her inspiration, encouragement, and companionship. These years have been the most meaningful of our professional and personal lives, and we genuinely view them as a great gift. We will treasure our fond memories and lasting relationships, and we will hold Lycoming forever in our hearts and wish for the continued success of this remarkable community of thinkers and doers. With profound appreciation, Kent C. Trachte, Ph.D. President From President the We WeCha Cha Together, we have transformed our institution into one of the very best national liberal arts colleges that lives up to the words 2 LYCOMING COLLEGE 2025 SPRING MAGAZINE
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