Rose-Hulman names new president

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WISH) – Rose-Hulman officials have announced that they have named their new president of the college. 

On Thursday, the Rose-Hulman Board of Trustees voted unanimously to name Robert A. Coons as the institute’s 16th president effective immediately.

The action came just a week after Jim Conwell announced his resignation on Nov. 7 as Rose-Hulman president. Conwell said the reason for his sudden departure was a family crisis.

Coons is no stranger to Rose-Hulman. He has nearly 30 years of service to the campus. He recently served as senior vice president. He was chief administrative officer for the last six years. He also served as interim president during the 2012-13 school year; was chief administrative officer from 2005-2012; and formerly served as vice president for business and finance, and controller.

His education background is also impressive: a master‘s of business administration from Indiana State University, a bachelor’s in business from Indiana University, and a graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Education Institute for Education Management.

Trustees chair Niles Noblitt issued this statement: 

“Rob is well prepared for this key leadership role, and the Board of Trustees has full confidence that he is the right person to keep Rose-Hulman moving forward in meeting its future challenges. Rob has earned the respect of trustees, faculty, staff and alumni, and many encouraged the trustees to select him.”

Coons issued this statement: 

“Rose-Hulman is a special place with a real sense of community and a commitment to excellence. We have made great strides with our strategic plan, yet still have much progress to make in diversity, strategic partnerships, scholarship support, and community involvement. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure that Rose-Hulman not only remains a national leader in science, engineering and mathematics education, but also continues to set the bar for others.”