Presidential search finalist: Dr. Wolf Yeigh

Wolf Yeigh led an open forum this Monday to discuss his qualifications for the role of president.

Yeigh, M.A., Ph.D., holds four degrees in engineering and a graduate certificate in science and technology policy. He has served as a Navy tactical intelligence officer and has been in leadership for four different colleges, with his last position third chancellor of University of Washington, Bothell.

Starting off as a young immigrant alongside his mother, Yeigh experienced the American Dream through higher education and wants to give others a similar opportunity.

“I like to describe myself as an ‘Engineer with a twist of liberal arts,’” Yeigh said. “The core values you stand for, they are in alignment with my values.”

After the resignation of T. Dwayne McCay at the end of the Spring 2022 semester, the Board of Trustees has been collaborating with the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges to find a new president. Yeigh is one of the five finalists.

Yeigh criticized this abrupt change of power, promising to “pass the baton” to his successor. During his presentation, he stressed the importance of trust and transparency in leadership.

Making no secret of his outsider status, Yeigh admitted “I don’t have three specific initiatives in my first 100 days.” His goals include doubling endowment for the school, sustaining enrollment, doubling down on supporting faculty and their research, and making Florida Tech known.

The motto “Listen, learn, lead” is Yeigh’s guiding principle. Initiatives like athletics funding, attaining Carnegie R1 status for research, or updating older facilities are topics he wants to listen to the college community on and enable their contribution.

Regarding deficit spending, Yeigh stated “I don’t like it… Sometimes you have to give up a little for the good of your community; sometimes you will receive, because people feel you deserve it.”

Above all, Yeigh wants to use the position of president to foster a stronger sense of cooperation and belonging, not just between fellow students, but with mentors and trustees.