The Board of Trustees and the Presidential Search Committee have announced the 18th president in the university’s history: Jared R. Tice, Ed.D.
Tice has held a variety of senior administrative positions at other universities with similar enrollment numbers, including his last position at Catawba College in Salisbury, NC as the Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer.
At Catawba, Tice and his team oversaw significant budget improvements and an increase in enrollment, which they sustained through the pandemic.
Additionally, Tice succeeded in improving student retention at Catawba, increasing from 62 percent to 77 percent.
Steve Bahls, the presidential search chair and vice president of the Capital Board of Trustees, said they wanted someone who could “hit the ground running.”
Bahls said that after searching through over 100 resumes, they found that quality in Tice.
Tice will succeed Dave Kaufman, who has served as the university president since 2020. In his introductory remarks, Kaufman said the university has achieved the mission of delivering a superior student experience.
“I’ve watched students leave [the university] truly transformed in the best version of themselves,” Kaufman said. “It’s a student experience that only Capital can deliver. Thank you for letting me be a part of that.”
Following Kaufman’s remarks, Tice introduced himself and outlined his vision for the campus community.
“Together, we will seek the answers that help us achieve the very best of our ideals and values,” Tice said. “We will strengthen who we are: an inclusive and student-centered university.”
Tice defined his vision of an inclusive community as one where community members can live an authentic life, despite any outside circumstances.
By fostering an inclusive community, Tice wants every student to have a “profound sense of belonging.”
“This presidency, from day one, will belong as much to our students, faculty and staff as much as it does to me,” Tice said. “We will lead together.”
Tice is already starting to collaborate with student leaders to brainstorm ways to maximize the student experience starting with school spirit.
Ashlyn Edwards, the president of Student Government said she is excited to start working with Tice to create an environment that lifts every voice.
“I think he’s committed to making students stay and prioritizing their needs,” Edwards said.
Brian King, the vice president of Student Government, said he appreciates Tice’s commitment to personal involvement in the campus community and is excited to collaborate with him. “[Tice] is all about community engagement; I love that, and I am excited to see him more in the community.”
In his closing remarks, Tice expressed his excitement about making a home in Columbus and starting a new chapter with his family and the campus community.
“We look forward to sharing in the light of this place and building relationships that will sustain the work ahead,” Tice said. “This community does not shrink from challenge but rises to meet it.”
Tice will officially start his term as the university’s 18th president on August 1.
