Hank Toutain
On Thursday, May 21, Gustavus Adolphus College President Jack R. Ohle announced that Dr. Hank Toutain, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, has accepted the position of Dean of Students at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, effective July 15. His last day at Gustavus will be June 5.
“Dr. Toutain made a significant contribution to the College during his 19 years of service,” said Ohle. “He has built an outstanding and exemplary program, and he will be missed by all of us. However, I know we will all want to celebrate the great opportunities he has to share his talents at another great institution, and we wish him and his family well.”
In Dr. Toutain’s 19 years at Gustavus, he established the first Gustavus department of Community Service-Service Learning; he established the first Gustavus department of Campus Safety; he completely revamped and enhanced services provided by the Gustavus Health Service and Counseling Center; he strengthened staffing and programming in Residential Life, Alcohol and Drug Education, Student Activities, and Multicultural Programs; he introduced a comprehensive system for identifying and responding to students encountering significant personal or academic challenges; he was centrally involved in the development of the Crossroads Program; he promoted greater involvement of faculty in our Residential Life program; and he initiated student recognition awards such as the Magnuson and the VanDeusen Awards.
In addition, Dr. Toutain was involved in the development of a number of facilities on the campus, including the Jackson Campus Center and many residence halls. He attracted and retained extraordinarily capable professional and support staff and enhanced collaboration among Student Affairs departments and between Student Affairs and other areas of campus, especially faculty and the academic program.
In announcing his resignation, Dr. Toutain said, “My work and life at Gustavus have been rich beyond measure, largely due to lively and engaged students, dedicated and supportive colleagues, and an environment of mutual respect and opportunity.” He went on to say that, he and his wife count themselves incredibly fortunate to have been so warmly received into the Gustavus and St. Peter communities 19 years ago. “We’re grateful that our children grew up in this wonderful community with its many friends and mentors. Uprooting ourselves — even to embark upon a new and exciting adventure — will be very, very difficult,” he said.
“It’s been a privilege to have joined others in doing good work at Gustavus over the years, and I owe a great debt of thanks to the College for opportunities provided and support so freely given. I know that I’m taking away much more than I’ve been able to give, and for that I’m very grateful. I’ve also learned a lot about grace from this Lutheran crowd!”
In his new position, Dr. Toutain will report to Kenyon President S. Georgia Nugent and will be responsible for a multi-faceted student affairs division while also serving as a key member of Kenyon’s senior administrative team.
Kenyon is a very selective and well-regarded small, undergraduate college of 1,600 students from all 50 states and 37 countries. It is particularly well known for its strength in the humanities. Kenyon is often described as a “writer’s college.”
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Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication Luc Hatlestad
luch@gustavus.edu
507-933-7510