Following a comprehensive search that eventually narrowed the field to two candidates, Scott Brown was announced as the next dean of students at Wabash on Monday, March 17. Brown will succeed Professor Greg Redding ’88, who is set to return to his previous role as a professor in the German department following a sabbatical during the 2025-26 academic year.
Brown accepted the offer following a multi-step process that eventually led to a final visit at Wabash where he was able to meet with members of the Wabash community — specifically students. The day began with a breakfast that included selected students and Brown as well as a lunch that was open to the entire Wabash community. Brown answered questions ranging from his views on tradition to specific issues like division on campus.
“The fact that so many people took their time to meet with me and gave me the opportunity to meet so many different folks and so many different perspectives — I spoke to a good percentage of the entire Wabash population by the time I ended that day — and I’m really grateful for the opportunity,” said Brown. “How you’re conducted as a candidate tells you a lot about the institution. It felt like it was a place that everybody was all in. They (students) care deeply and passionately about Wabash.”
The search committee was made up of faculty, staff and student voices that worked to find a candidate with a strong professional background and rich experience in student affairs. Furthermore, the candidate needed to show a strong commitment to Wabash’s mission statement and both improve the Dean of Students office while engaging heavily with the student body.
“Something that stood out about Dr. Brown was his high emotional intelligence and commitment to engaging with students on a personal level,” said Luis Rivera ’25, the only student member of the search committee. I think he’ll be a dean who is involved on campus, who cares about students and who leads in a kind but firm manner. We put in a lot of work as a committee, and we are all excited about President Feller’s choice and look forward to being as supportive as we can to Dr. Brown during his transition.”
“Dr. Brown brings a wealth of experience in student development from his work at the College of Wooster, Colgate University and Dartmouth College,” said President of the College Scott Feller.
Brown will begin his tenure remotely in mid-June and then move to Crawfordsville in July to begin in-person.
“Wabash is a very special place,” said Brown. “As you know, Wabash gives an excellent education, but its context is so unusual and desirable to me. I’m excited to get to know everybody, from trustees and faculty, other administrators, alums, local folks and, of course, beginning and ending with students.”