DEPERE, WI (WTAQ) – He’s not accepting a diploma, but going out the door with 2017’s graduating class at Saint Norbert College this weekend is President Thomas Kunkel.
After 9 years in the President’s office, Kunkel is turning over the reins to a new leader.
Kunkel has seen a lot of physical changes on the Saint Norbert campus in the past 9 years, $140 million in construction. A new fitness center is the latest addition.
“We’ve been fortunate we’ve been able to refresh and enhance our infrastructure”
In addition to that Saint Norbert enrollment numbers, about 2200 students, are the highest in school history.
But Kunkel is also proud of the partnerships that have been formed with other schools and businesses.
The Donald J. Schneider of Business & Economics was established in 2014. The Medical College of Wisconsin’s campus is at Saint Norbert. And a partnership with Marquette Law School offers students an accelerated path to a legal career.
Kunkel says it’s all designed to provide students with a variety of experiences and opportunities.
“I think in the 21st century no one college, certainly a liberal arts college, you can’t be all things to all people”
One the biggest changes he’s seen in higher education over the past 9 years…perspective students have so many more school options and do more shopping around.
“In the past, maybe students had 2 or 3 schools they would focus on. With the internet, virtual touring, and all the information you can get about colleges and online applications… it’s just not uncommon for students today to visit 7 or 8 schools”
But Kunkel says the mission remains the same. Make Saint Norbert a place that’s available to any student that qualifies regardless of their financial situation.
“So that means being aggressive about our own business operations and cost cutting. But also raising more money for scholarships”
Brian Bruess will take over as the 8th president at Saint Norbert July 1st.
Already the author of 6 books, Thomas Kunkel will continue to write and spend time with his family.
