Gustavus picks Ohle as its next president

He will become the 15th president of the state's oldest liberal arts college when he takes over July 1.

Star Tribune

Last update: April 25, 2008 - 9:00 PM

Gustavus Adolphus College named Jack R. Ohle as its 15th president on Friday.

Ohle will take over the top job at the liberal arts college of 2,500 undergraduate students in St. Peter on July 1. He succeeds James L. Peterson, who is retiring, the school's Board of Directors announced.

Ohle is currently president of Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. He previously served as vice president for institutional advancement and senior vice president for external affairs at Drake University in Des Moines. He also held positions at Nebraska Wesleyan University, Ohio Northern University and Muskingham College in New Concord, Ohio.

Ohle holds a bachelor's degree in social work, a master's in higher education administration, and an honorary doctor of divinity degree.

In selecting Ohle as president, Gustavus Board of Trustees Chairman Jim Gale said, "Jack has all the attributes that we were looking for in our next president. He has strong leadership skills, broad experience in higher education, a strong understanding of what makes Gustavus a special place, and innovative ideas to help move Gustavus forward as a first-class liberal arts institution."

TIM HARLOW