After 15 years at Augustana College, President Steve Bahls is ready to help graduates become "robot-proof." Last month, the board of trustees renewed his contract for another three years.
Michelle O'Neill reports the 8th president of the college in Rock Island continues to promote liberal arts education and make it more accessible.
Initially, a big part of Steven Bahls' job at Augustana was fundraising, and he says the college was in good shape. In the early 2000s, enrollment was around 2,200 to 2,300. After about a year, the board of trustees set a goal of increasing it to 2,500 students. Bahls led the college through several possible cuts in the Monetary Assistance Program known as MAP grants.
He's also taken seriously his role as a community leader, serving on many boards including the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. He was serving as the chair of the Illinois Quad City chamber board when it merged with the chambers in Bettendorf and Davenport.
Bahls sees his main job as setting the strategic direction of Augustana, then providing the resources to accomplish the mission and goals of the college. During his tenure, Augustana College has added new buildings, new majors, and new sports to attract students. Bahls says it's also increased diversity on campus, along with enrolling more international students.
Now, he says colleges must develop students whose jobs will not be taken over by technology. And liberal arts colleges teach what employers want, employees with critical thinking skills and the ability to create an action plan then complete it.
