Board Chair: Rose-Hulman Finds ‘Right Person’ in Coons

(Image courtesy of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.)

The chairman of the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Board of Trustees says new president Rob Coons has some major work ahead of him, but he’s prepared for the job. Coons, who has been serving as acting president since Jim Conwell announced his resignation early this month, has been tasked with what Niles Noblitt calls "future-proofing" the university by preparing students for high-tech futures. Coons takes charge of Rose-Hulman in the final two years of the $250 million Mission Driven Campaign for Rose-Hulman, which is well over halfway complete.

Noblitt calls Coons "the right person at the right time" for the Terre Haute institution. "Time to get moving and we are focused on the future and think this is a good step and a good position for Rose-Hulman to move forward," Noblitt said. "He’s well-trusted by the various constituencies. They know him — you know, the faculty, staff, donors, alumni. He is the perfect person for this position."

Coons has been with the university for nearly 30 years, holding various positions including senior vice president, chief administrative officer, interim president during the 2012-13 school year, controller and vice president for business and finance.

In a news release, Coons said "Rose-Hulman is a special place with a real sense of community and a commitment to excellence. We have made great strides with our strategic plan, yet still have much progress to make in diversity, strategic partnerships, scholarship support, and community involvement. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure that Rose-Hulman not only remains a national leader in science, engineering and mathematics education, but also continues to set the bar for others."

Coons holds degrees from Indiana State University, Indiana University and Harvard.