President Troy VanAken interviews for president position at Valparaiso University

President Troy VanAken interviewed with Valparaiso University in Indiana as a candidate for the search for a new president. 

“I was recruited into the Valparaiso University presidential search, probably because of the successes we have seen at Elmhurst College,” said VanAken.

Word got out about VanAken interviewing with VU after his name appeared on a survey posted to the Valparaiso Presidential search committee webpage where members of the VU campus community could provide their feedback on the candidates interviewed. 

VanAken was involved in VU’s presidential search 12 years ago. 

There are currently three candidates being considered for the position with VanAken being the third candidate. He is up against Kirk Farney and Andrew Finstuen. 

VanAken began his term as EC president in July 2016, previously serving at Thiel College in Greenville, Pa. from 2009 to 2016. In August 2019, VanAken renewed his contract for an additional six years to stay at EC. 

VanAken is proud of the strides he has created during his time at EC. 

“Annette and I are very happy at Elmhurst and very proud of the success we’ve all created together as a community,” said VanAken. “We’re also excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for Elmhurst regarding the name change and the sesquicentennial,”

VU started their search for a new president in order to replace the current standing President Mark A. Heckler after he announced on August 8 that he would be stepping down from the position. 

Nicole Niemi, VU Chief Communications Officer, had no comment on VanAken’s candidacy. 

The Torch, VU’s student publication, released two articles tracking the candidates after their on-campus interviews with students and faculty, giving background to each candidate. As of now, they have posted articles on Finstuen and Farney. 

The Torch reported that VanAken has been paying attention to VU since originally being a part of their presidential search 12 years ago. 

“But since that time, I’ve paid a little extra attention to Valparaiso and saw all the great things that had been going on,” VanAken said in The Torch’s article.

According to a Chicago Tribune article posted from August 9, 2019, Heckler advised the Board of Trustees to start their interview search, noting it could take upwards of up to two years and his interest in wanting to be present to help the new president transition into the position.