Today, January 25, President Phil Hanlon announced that he would step down from his role as chief administrator of the College, effective June 2023. Hanlon accepted the role back in 2013 as the thirteenth member of the Wheelock succession, having graduated from Dartmouth in the Class of 1977.
In an email to the Dartmouth community, Hanlon recounted some of the successes of his vision for the College over the past decade, as well as his commitment to achieving remaining goals. Hanlon described his 2023 departure as ensuring “that the Board has ample time to find Dartmouth’s next president.” Hanlon’s statement was followed by an email from the Board of Trustees, congratulating him on his “many achievements.”
Some of the developments during Hanlon’s term as President include the $3 billion Call to Lead fundraising campaign, increased research spending, various campus renovations, and growth in admissions selectivity.
However, Hanlon’s tenure as President has not been without controversy. Under his tenure, Greek Life experienced broad disciplinary action and regulation. Further, administrative missteps during the COVID-19 pandemic have led to dissatisfaction with online learning at Dartmouth and a College-wide mental health crisis. The administration’s pandemic response precipitated Hanlon’s continuing unpopularity with undergraduates.
With the President soon to step down, the College now must seek replacements for the offices of Dean of Student Life and Provost, as former Dean Kathryn Lively and Provost Joseph Heble resigned just last year.
Lets not forget the removal of the Weather Vane at the top of Baker Library.