On this day, the 203 anniversary of our founding order, the Brothers of Christian Instruction, the Walsh University Board of Directors is pleased to announce a five-year extension to the presidential term of Dr. Timothy J. Collins, through June 30, 2027. Board Chair A.J. Hyland made the announcement of the newly signed contract at the May 20, 2022, board meeting.
"Drenda and I are thankful for the enthusiastic and unqualified support of our Board of Directors as we continue to fulfill our promise to the students to prepare them for a career, for life, and for their life’s purpose – truly, Education for Life,” Collins said.
Dr. Collins became the seventh President of Walsh University on August 5, 2019, after a nationwide search, and was formally installed on November 17, 2020, on Founders’ Day, the University’s 60-year anniversary.
Over the past three years, Dr. Collins has led the University through a global pandemic focusing on student success, mental health, and the health of the entire community, while making sure Walsh University’s mission to educate continued.
At his installation he announced seven new initiatives, many of which have been rolled out including Walsh 4.0, an innovative and board-approved strategic plan that will lead the University through the lens of innovation through 2035.
Other initiatives included a presidential thought leadership series, the expansion of Walsh’s Global Campus for online learning, the conversion from semester terms to 8-week format terms to allow students more flexibility and a positive work/life balance, complimentary education for those 65 and over, the hosting of a Catholic higher education symposium, the creation of a Walsh University press, and the establishment of Cavs Cor Cordium, a first-in-the-nation initiative to put every student on campus in their own personal learning network.
“The Board of Directors is excited to have Dr. Collins continue his tenure here at Walsh University,” Board Chair A.J. Hyland said. “His principled and steadfast leadership and commitment to Walsh’s mission are felt by the entire campus community. We look forward to the ongoing implementation of key growth strategies and initiatives of the Walsh 4.0 strategic plan. The Board is eager to support Dr. Collins in making Walsh a leading Catholic university and a place that focuses on education for life. We are confident that his vision, talent and drive will move us forward.”
Under Dr. Collins’ leadership Walsh University held it’s first-ever Fall Enrichment Week, an opportunity for students and employees to take part in personal and professional development opportunities during a week-long campus wide schedule of special programming in between fall terms one and two.
The University also launched Walsh United, a campus-wide movement aimed at understanding our diverse cultural backgrounds and bringing about humility and compassion toward one another.
Another focus is workforce development with Walsh’s new Skilled Technical Workforce program. In partnership with the state of Ohio “TechCred” program, Walsh gained national attention as one of the few, if not the only, institutions of its kind to offer this uniquely designed program that provides customized online workshops for companies to upskill their employees using data analytics as a backbone of the program.
Other significant achievements during Dr. Collins’ on-going presidency include:
Throughout, Walsh University has continued to remain faithful to the legacy of Walsh’s founders, the Brothers of Christian Instruction, to educate students to become leaders in service to others.
“We came to North Canton for an opportunity, and we fell in love with the people and the mission,” Collins said. “Walsh University is a special place and we are thrilled to continue our service to all of Cav Nation and Ohio in this domain of Catholic higher education. We are utterly convinced the inspirations of the Holy Spirit are guiding us collectively in our work under the mantle of Our Lady of Perpetual Help – and are eager to continue the unfolding of the efforts started here 61 years ago by seven Brothers of Christian Instruction. Swords Up!”
Prior to his appointment as the seventh President of Walsh University in 2019, Dr. Collins served in executive leadership at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, which performs research and development on behalf of the United States government. Before joining Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Collins served as a senior officer in the United States Air Force from 1997-2005, where he became the Air Force’s youngest senior officer and earned several prestigious honors. A lifelong learner, Dr. Collins earned an Associate of Science degree from Georgia Military College, a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Airforce Academy, a Master of Aeronautical Science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a Master of Science degree from the National War College and a Doctor of Education degree from Benedictine University, where he completed doctoral work on Catholic higher education.
Currently, he serves his community on the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce Board and the Stark Economic Development Board.
Please join us in congratulating President Collins and his bride Drenda. SWORDS UP!
*Photo credit: Norm Kutz
