A presidential transition on the horizon

In October, Scott Bierman announced he would retire in June after 14 years as the college’s 11th president.

“Scott Bierman has been a visionary leader who transformed an already strong liberal arts institution into a college that focuses on students’ success during their time on campus while developing them for their careers through programs like Career Channels,” says Board of Trustees Chair Dick Niemiec’65. “Clearly understanding our history and mission, Scott built on Beloit’s unique strengths that extend back to the Beloit Plan and beyond.”

During his tenure, Bierman successfully led the college through the first worldwide pandemic in a century, had the foresight to reimagine how a decommissioned electric power station could become a hive of student recreation, athletics, and learning, and strengthened the college’s financial position, among other achievements.

The college’s streak of curricular innovation continued through the Beloit Action Plan, which helped students navigate the pandemic both academically and personally, and includes the Advanced Mentoring Program, which connects students with faculty mentors immediately after committing to Beloit and leads to improved first-year experiences and retention.

The award-winning Powerhouse, a student recreation center and student union, was funded entirely through Historic Tax Credits, the New Markets Tax Credit program, and philanthropy on his watch, which allowed the college to open the multi-use, repurposed building in February 2020 without incurring any debt.
Bierman also strengthened the college’s financial position by reducing nearly all its external debt, streamlining operating expenses, and increasing net-tuition revenue. In addition, he assembled a strong leadership team and created a positive campus culture where students, faculty, and staff are committed to the college’s success.

“Scott has been a true partner with the Board of Trustees, the campus, and the entire Beloit community. Scott and Melody always had an open door for our students,” Niemiec says.

In an email announcing his retirement, Bierman wrote that “being a college that changes lives is far more than a catch phrase; it is the lived experience of thousands of Beloiters. The aspirations and inspirations that flow in all directions when students, faculty, and staff are engaged is unstoppable. It is such an honor to be among you … there are few things I believe in more.”

Niemiec says the Board of Trustees is committed to a broad and transparent process to select the college’s 12th president. “A search committee composed of board members, faculty, students, staff, and alumni will attract outstanding and diverse candidates,” he says.

The board expects to announce the new president by mid- to late-spring.