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McKeegan ‘thrilled’ to come back to Pa., lead the Mount

Courtesy photo/ Dr. John McKeegan was named the 15th president of Mount Aloysius College. The Pennsylvania native said he said he was attracted to the institution’s care and compassion

Dr. John McKeegan was named Mount Aloysius College’s 15th president. Dr. McKeegan spoke to the Mirror by phone from his home in Oregon.

Q: What attracted you to Mount Aloysius?

A: The more I learned about the Mount, its students and faculty, and the care and compassion that the faculty devote to their students is spectacular on so many levels.

Q: What do you see as some important duties of a college president?

A: All schools need to pay attention to enrollment. Part of the president’s duties is to make sure the entire institution is working collaboratively to make the institution as attractive to as many students who can get the great education offered there. It is also overseeing the operation of the institution and working in tandem with faculty leadership. Playing a key role in shared governance is an important role for a college president these days.

Q: What are some important tasks a college president undertakes on behalf of the school?

A: Community outreach and community engagement — bringing the Mount to the community and bringing the community to the Mount. Working with business leaders, nonprofit leaders and philanthropy. It is vital for philanthropy to play a role and the president needs to be part of the major fundraising.

Q: We are in uncertain times because of the coronavirus. What challenges does this create for you starting out?

A: All of us are coming to grips with the reality of virtual connections. We are going to have a series of virtual town halls to meet with as many members of the Mount’s community as possible. There is great uncertainty about how long this will last. I intend to get to Pennsylvania in May and hit the ground running. Whether we need to continue to do everything virtually is unknown at this point, but that series of virtual gatherings is the first step. Although we are being required to stay apart, folks are coming up with ways to make real connections.

Q: What role does your faith play in how you will approach your job at the Mount?

A: It was a fundamental aspect of my interest. What I love is that the mission of the Mount is to respond to individual and community needs with programs and education in the tradition of the Religious Sisters of Mercy. I was born and raised Catholic. It is a vital part of my life and what I love about the Mount is that it is open to all. The Mount proposes a gift of education that can make a difference.

Q: What attracts non-traditional students to the Mount?

A: I got the opportunity to meet an adult student when I was there. He raved about the personalized attention he got. We know from the data that adults learn differently. You need to have the right people who understand the adult learner. The institutions that are going to thrive are ones that can offer meaningful education to a whole variety of age groups, including adult learners. The Mount has got expertise there.

Q: What is it like to know you are coming back to your home state to work?

A: I am absolutely thrilled to be coming back. It’s pride of place. We are chomping at the bit to get back home.

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