By Sofia Montoya-Deck
Former Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Debbie Ricker took on the role of Hood’s interim president on July 1, 2024, after the departure of the college’s 11th president, Andrea Chapdelaine.
Ricker was approached to consider the one-year interim position by the chair of the board of trustees, Tonya Finton, ’78. After discussing expectations for the coming year and clarifying other aspects of the interim role, Ricker confirmed her interest in supporting Hood during the leadership transition. The board of trustees then voted unanimously to appoint Ricker as interim president.
As the provost and vice president of academic affairs, a role she had held since July 1, 2016, Ricker supported and oversaw the academic mission of the college, collaborating with leaders from 17 academic departments as well as faculty and administrative directors. Additionally, she managed four centers, the Honors Program and supervised aspects of student life.
While Ricker assumes the role of interim president, her previous duties as provost and vice president for academic affairs are being filled by Paige Eager, who has been serving as dean of the faculty since July 2021.
Among the challenges she faces is grappling with a budget shortfall due to issues with financial aid allocation and Memorial Hall delays.
Ricker said she believes her role as provost has prepared her well to step into the role of interim president. “I’ve experienced about the same number of meetings daily and weekly, just with different constituents,” she said of adjusting to the new position. “Where I go and with whom I meet are a little bit different, but the pace of the work and the importance of the work is similar. It is certainly a big role and a very important role, and I don’t take that for granted.”
Ricker also has the benefit of having already formed many relationships at the college. “Fortunately, since I have been a member of the Hood community for over eight years now, I already have existing relationships with students, faculty and staff,” she said. “And, as I always do, I will continue to build, nurture and value those relationships as interim president.”
At a forum on Aug. 12, that included a briefing on the state of the college, Ricker framed the president’s strategic goals for the year, which the board of trustees had approved in June. These goals include focusing on the college’s enrollment and financial position, retention strategies, fundraising, facilities projects and plans and working with current and prospective trustees.
“In addition to the strategic goals that the board has approved for the coming year [the “what”], I’m also focused on the ‘how,’” Ricker explained. “[That is,] continuing to live our single, shared mission as “One Hood”; focusing on the positive aspects of Hood College, our students, ourselves, and each other; embracing and engaging in strategic change required to continue thriving.”
Ricker welcomes feedback from the Hood community in several ways, including through the offering of biweekly office hours which typically alternate between Zoom and in-person formats. After collaboration with Hood’s Marketing and Communications office, Ricker can now also be found on Instagram (@DebbieatHood).
Earlier this year, the college found itself in a budget deficit of millions because of problems with financial aid allocations and Memorial Hall construction. In an attempt to remedy the issue, a budget framework for the 2025 fiscal year has been created that will allow the college to proceed in one of three ways dependent on the monitoring of financial variables.
“Right now, we’ve committed to follow the most conservative budget model,” Ricker explained. “That model calls for specific reductions in spending that have been communicated to budget managers, and we will continue to explore avenues for savings in the coming year.”
Ricker plans to measure the success of her tenure as interim president by moving forward with the strategic goals of the college and advancing initiatives. She also emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between the college’s past administration and the next administration, namely the future 12th president of Hood. “That’s an important role because you definitely want to set the table well for whoever the next president is and I want to make sure they see the incredible community that I see,” she said.
As of now, it is uncertain whether Ricker will be applying for the role of Hood’s 12th president herself. “I haven’t decided yet because there is a lot that needs to be formalized before I decide,” she said.
The board of trustees and the search committee will be determining a presidential profile for the position following listening and learning sessions on campus. Additionally, criteria and qualifications will be established for interested applicants. “Whether or not I apply for this position is less about me and more about Hood,” she said. “I think the next person really needs to be the best choice for this campus community at this time in our history.”
Ricker said she was eager to start her new position and is looking forward to helping advance the college’s missions. Her tenure as interim president is expected to last until June 30, 2025, with the expectation that Hood’s 12th president will assume their role on July 1, 2025.
“I’m honored to represent Hood College as interim president for the coming year,” Ricker said. “Our campus is a special place to live, learn and work and I couldn’t be prouder of the great work this community is doing to support our students each and every day.”
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