Springfield, Ohio — The Wittenberg University Board of Directors has unanimously elected Dr. Dick Helton, president emeritus of Vincennes University, as the university’s interim president, Board Chair Thomas J. Murray announced today. Helton will begin his service on Jan. 11.
“Throughout his career, Dr. Helton has consistently proved to be a transformational leader of exceptional vision and accomplishment,” Murray said. “We are thrilled that he has agreed to serve in this capacity, and we are confident that he will help advance our mission in every way possible during his time with us.”
As president of Vincennes University (VU) from 2004-2015, Helton brought immediate stability to Indiana’s first college before guiding it to historic growth. Under his leadership, enrollment increased, select baccalaureate programs in high-demand fields were introduced, new partnerships were established, and the college completed the largest building expansion in its history.
“Dr. Helton has been a gifted leader who has united trustees, administration, faculty and staff, alumni, and the community with a shared and focused direction and purpose,” said VU Board Chair J.R. Gaylor during Helton’s retirement celebration last year.
In recognition of his distinguished executive service, Helton earned Indiana University’s Outstanding Leadership and Contribution to Education Award in 2006, Alpha Beta Gamma’s College President of the Year in 2006, and Phi Theta Kappa’s Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction in 2012.
Prior to his award-winning work in higher education, Helton served for 19 years as a superintendent of schools in Indiana, the last 14 years for the rapidly expanding Avon Community School Corporation. Additionally, from 1970-1985, he served in multiple positions, including as a teacher, coach, athletics director, assistant principal and administrative assistant to the superintendent, with the South Ripley Community School Corporation.
Helton holds a Ph.D. in educational administration from Indiana State University, an M.S. in secondary education and an educational specialist degree from Indiana University, and a B.A. in secondary education from Hanover College, which also recognized him with an honorary doctorate in 2005.
As Wittenberg’s interim president, Helton will oversee all areas of university operations; guide the work of the university’s senior staff; ensure the complete flow of information to all campus stakeholders; support the process of Board-led and campus-wide strategic planning, and assist with donor relations and fundraising, particularly in support of the Health, Wellness, and Athletics facility project currently underway. He is expected to serve for a minimum of 12-18 months while the search for Wittenberg’s next president gets underway.
“I am deeply honored to be able to serve Wittenberg at this important time in its history,” Helton said. “From my extensive conversations with students, faculty, staff, Board members and community leaders, it is clear that Wittenberg is a special place committed to academic excellence and dedicated to helping students discover their passions. I look forward to partnering with all of the University’s constituents as we work together to fulfill Wittenberg’s mission.”
