She says one of the main reasons she applied for the job was Augustana's mission, "To prepare students for lives of leadership and service in a diverse and changing world."
"And that's why I believe that Augustana College is more important now than ever. Because its essential purpose is to push students to think deeply, question their beliefs, be open to different perspectives, and prepare to lead in ways big and small."
Talentino also likes that extra curricular activities are not really considered "extra."
"That really grabbed me because it's so central to my own philosophy. Discovery can't happen without exploration, transformation can't happen without being tested, and most of all new ideas can't come without experimentation."
She also values the sense of community she's seen here.
"My family felt it too when they came, and they appreciated the interest in connecting and valuing different cultures and perspectives."
Talentino will succeed Steve Bahls when he retires next June after 19 years as president of the college.
Prior to her current job as Provost at Nazareth College, she served as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Norwich University in Vermont for 5 years.
