Hastings College president talks about future of school

Tools

by Colin Murphy

Story Created: Jan 21, 2013 at 6:45 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jan 21, 2013 at 7:56 PM CDT

Hastings College President Dennis Trotter has worked from coast to coast and including on Wall Street bringing his big business approach to Hastings.

"I'm a little un-traditional that I'm not an academic, so I spent most of my time in enrollment management, marketing and fundraising."

He's pushing change on campus which is never an easy task.

"Nebraskans, in particular, are conservative, they are solid, they're careful, they're prudent and all of those things and all of those dictate that you don't accommodate change as quickly as others."

One change that caught people's attention was the decision by Trotter and his wife Trina not to live in the home that's housed at least two Hastings College Presidents.

"This isn't about the two of us - especially if this is going to be a college owned home, and you are going to expect us to live in and work out of it and host things out of it, you have to think about what is good for the institution down the road for the next four or five presidents - not just us."

Trotter has a vision of the future home.

"It cannot be ostentatious, it should be closer to campus than the old presidents house, within walking distance."

Another issue that's been talked about around town is the possibility of closing 9th Street.

"It would be kind of a gateway to the campus and allows us to enclose the campus in more of a pedestrian way."

That move is a part of a 3-5 year plan in which the college wants to build a new student union

"Our growth to 1500 using 9th street as a gateway because we need it to expand it and kind of expand and enclose the campus allows another $10-$15 million impact on the city."

But, the College isn't moving on without the input of Hastings residents.

"We've worked with the city to make sure the traffic studies are done and we are doing it carefully and we are making concessions about when we close it and how we close and it is certainly not what some people would call it a done deal."

In addition to closing 9th Street and looking at building a new student center, the college also has a long term plan that includes expanding this campus with new residence halls.

"We know when students come on to your campus they want that holistic experience with intimate environments and great experiential activities."

And, President Trotter wants to be in his same position when his vision is complete.

"The intent was to always to come and stay long term affect change and leave a legacy you can be proud of."

On Demand

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Poll

Should the Boy Scouts allow gay scouts and leaders in troops?

  • Yes, allow both
  • No, they shouldn't allow either
  • Yes, allow gay scouts, but not leaders
  • Yes, allow gay leaders, but not scouts

Local Gas Prices

Lowest Gas Prices in Tri-Cities
Nebraska Gas Prices provided by GasBuddy.com

KHASTV on Facebook

Weather Closings