University of Richmond president-elect delivers commencement address at Muhlenberg College

May 18, 2015

Ronald Crutcher, a national leader in higher education, distinguished classical musician and accomplished administrator, spoke at Muhlenberg (Pa.) College’s 167th Commencement on May 17 at 10 a.m. Crutcher also was awarded an honorary doctorate. 

Crutcher is the president-elect of the University of Richmond. He will take office as Richmond’s 10th President on July 1. He will also be a professor of music. 

Crutcher is president emeritus of Wheaton College in Massachusetts. As president from 2004–2014, he raised the institution’s profile; increased enrollment and diversity of the student body; created new interdisciplinary faculty positions and academic programs; and ensured the institution’s financial stability during a challenging economic period for all of higher education.

Wheaton students consistently garnered prestigious academic honors and ranked as one of the top Fulbright Scholarship producers among liberal arts colleges. Crutcher led the institution’s most successful fundraising campaign, engaging 72 percent of alumni and raising significant funds for a range of priorities, including the $46M Mars Center for Science and Technology.  

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