“You can’t go home again.” I began to ruminate over the phrase made famous by Thomas Wolfe as I prepared to conduct an interview with President Francis L. Hendricks. You see, Hendricks is a 1979 graduate of Mansfield University of Pennsylvania. He recently returned to the university as its 28th president. Apparently, you can go home again, and to much fanfare and excitement. I recently sat down with him to see what life is like for a former student returning home to run his alma mater.
Q: What are your impressions of Mansfield University since your return to campus?
A: This is a magical place; it was when I attended here and it certainly is today. Students have always come here to learn, delve into interests and discover unknown passions. With a strong liberal arts base, in a beautiful rural setting, Mansfield University is able to offer professional programs in fields in which students are interested. Mansfield University has remained true to its commitment of outstanding instruction in an intimate classroom setting, where you are taught by professors who know you personally and care about your preparation for your life’s journey. The pride and commitment of our campus community is as strong now as it was when I was a student in the 1970s. From our groundskeepers who want a parent’s first view of campus to be one of beauty, to our faculty and staff who realize we are our students’ family away from family, their dedication is to our students. One of our employees just celebrated her 64th year as a dining services staff member and is valued by all.
Q: It must be exciting to come back as president. How did you react when you were offered the job?
A: I was ecstatic! I care so deeply about Mansfield University and welcomed the opportunity to come back and “pay forward” all the university has done for me. As a non-traditional candidate for university president, I truly had no expectations of being offered the position. I did however know that Mansfield University prepared me well for my future and gave me the foundation needed to be successful. At Mansfield, I was able to build relationships with professors, staff and even the president, all of whom mentored me and provided me sound advice when needed. I wanted to be able to do the same: to connect with students and serve them as those before served me. I am a product of Mansfield University and truly humbled to have been chosen its 19th president.
Q: What made you want to apply?
