Ripon, Wis. — For the first time in its 170-year history, Ripon College is being led by a female president. Dr. Victoria Folse officially assumed the role in July.
“I’m excited,” she said. “Ripon College has a lot of potential. The foundation is solid and I’m excited to be here.”
She previously led the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Illinois’s Wesleyan University. She was also the executive director for health and counseling. This will be Dr. Folse’s first time taking on the role of president.
“I think this is a wonderful opportunity, and it speaks to the commitment Ripon College has for diversity, equity and inclusion to select a female to be in this lead role,” she said.
And Dr. Folse has a unique perspective when it comes to her ability to connect with students. She is a first-generation college student and knows what it’s like to come from humble beginnings.
“I was with our momentum students, who are first-generation students that have excelled in high school so, that was exciting because I too am first-gen,” she said.
She’s said she’s also passionate about connecting with student athletes, as they make up about half of the student body at Ripon College.
“I sent out a survey to students, faculty and staff, asking them what are three things they’re proud of on campus, what are three things we need to address and what advice would you have for me as a new president,” Dr. Folse said. “I’m working through all of that feedback.”
During a conversation she had with a group of football players, one of them mentioned the need for certain dorms to be upgraded. Dr. Folse has toured some of the older buildings on campus and she said she agrees it’s a priority.
“Improving the dorms is one of the three priorities we have in our infrastructure campaign,” Dr. Folse said. “I toured all of the facilities and some are tired.”
Dr. Folse is also discussing the possibility of adding a master’s degree program in exercise science. She helped spearhead a public health program at Wesleyan as well, which she hopes can be replicated at Ripon College.
“We’re going to work together on a strategic plan,” she said. “We’re excited to look at some new programming that builds on our liberal arts core.”
All the while, Dr. Folse said she’s keeping the students in mind. She especially wants to connect with students who are first generation and low-income.
“They may need help buying textbooks and may be too proud to tell anyone that, or students who don’t have a home to return to for holidays,” she said. “We need to make sure we initiate those conversations so students understand we’re committed to their success both in and out of the classroom.”
Ripon College’s fall semester begins on Monday, Aug. 29.