For those who aspire to become a college/university president, one of the biggest decisions that you will make is whether a large or small college/university presidency is the right choice. For this installment of Diverse Conversations, I interviewed Dr. Debra Townsley, president of William Peace University in Raleigh, N.C., to find out what it’s like to lead a small liberal arts university. Inaugurated as the 10th president of the university in August 2010, Townsley oversees a student body of nearly 800 full- and part-time students enrolled in WPU’s undergraduate day, evening, online and Saturday programs, and an alumni body of more than 9,000.
Q: What attracted you to a small liberal arts university?
A: Small, private institutions are connected learning communities. Faculty directly teach all students. Co-curricular programming is intentional and an integral part of the learning. Students make life-long friends and are part of a connected alumni network. I appreciate these connections and believe they lead to strong learning opportunities for everyone in the community.
Q: What do you like most about leading a liberal arts university?
A: We do make a difference in the lives of our students. I have the good fortune of hearing this when I meet alumni, who have had a chance to experience what their education has afforded them and meant to them.
Q: Has your impression of William Peace University changed since the first time you were on campus?
A: I have learned more about Peace since my first visit, but my view of WPU has not changed since my first visit. On my first visit, Peace seemed like a community with dedicated faculty and staff who cared about students’ success and a community with students and alumni who had a love for the school. These first impressions have been and continue to be true.
