Page 16 - May-June-July Life In Naples

WELCOMES NEW PRESIDENT

DR. DONALD WORTHAM

T he presidential torch has been passed, and on April 1, Hodges University DR. DONALD WORTHAM AND DR. DAVID BOROFSKY
welcomed Dr. Donald Wortham as its new president. As one of four finalists
for the position, Wortham’s vast experience in higher education made him the and universities. Too often today, higher education
top choice for Hodges’ Board of Trustees. is transactional, but students are demanding more;
they deserve a transformational experience,” he
Wortham attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, saying, “I explained. “Historically, this has occurred within a
originally considered becoming a doctor but began contemplating the idea of two-or four-year window, when students would put
becoming a minister, so I went on to earn my bachelor’s degree in religious studies,” their lives on hold and go to college. However, the
he said. world and the economy have changed, and many, if
not most, students simply cannot afford this path.
This interest in the spiritual aspects of life led him to enroll at the University We must look at ways that Hodges can provide
of Chicago to pursue a Master of Divinity. After a year of study, and through the opportunities to those in the working world and
encouragement and support of his professors, he found himself on a path leading to a help them to make that transformational change.”
career in higher education.
In regards to Hodges’ role in the Southwest
In 1993,he enrolled in the educational psychology Ph.D.program at the University Florida community, Wortham considers the
of Wisconsin-Madison. It was during this time that he received his first experience university to be a viable option for students looking
working in higher education. Taking a sabbatical from graduate school, he accepted for an affordable education with programs that link
a position with UNext, an educational startup company dedicated to online learning, to the “world of work,” as well as an institution that
saying, “UNext was at the forefront of the first Internet revolution that incorporated is a product of the community and is cared for by
digital courses online.” the people of Southwest Florida. Hodges is also
economically, racially and culturally diverse.
As the company’s executive director for three years, he helped co-develop a
problem-based learning MBA curriculum with Stanford,Columbia and the University Preparing to take Hodges to the next
of Chicago. level, his early goals for the university include
evaluating Hodges’ programs to ensure they are
Since graduating, Wortham has spent the last seven years at The College of St. meeting the needs of the region; making sure the
Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota, which serves 4,400 students, many of who are students achieve transformational outcomes; and
enrolled in online courses. At Scholastica, he previously held a dean-level appointment establishing a clearer vision for the institution to
and most recently served as vice president for strategic initiatives. communicate to the community.

Excited about his new role, Wortham explained, “In my search, I was looking for
an institution that has opportunity to grow and prosper. I was incredibly impressed by
the intellect and passion of people here at Hodges.”

Due to the economic environment and ever-changing world of higher education,
Wortham has noticed a change in what students want out of an education, and it is
the type of education that Hodges can provide.

“Students nowadays are focused on outcomes. Hodges is the type of institution
that works for students who are ready to give serious thought to what they want to
do in life, as well as those who have already decided but need the extra help,” he said.

With higher education facing many difficult issues at this time,Wortham identified
two in which all institutions must address: the value equation and the changing world
and economy.

“Higher education’s mission is to help students become the people they are intended
to be; to achieve their purpose in life…This is the core value proposition of colleges

16 Life in Naples | May • June • July 2016