Dr. Gene Tice served as interim president of KWC from June-November 2019.
“As an outsider looking in, I always admired KWC from a distance. In my position at WKU-O, I met regularly with previous KWC presidents, so I knew a lot about the College. And I always enjoyed driving by the beautiful, well-kept campus, which is such a positive reflection of what KWC is.
“I earned my undergraduate degree from a similar institution, Muskingum College (now University) in Ohio, where I played football. My undergrad experience was a significant part of my life. So, as I drove down Frederica over the years and looked over at the campus, I was flooded with memories of my tremendous small-college experience.
“What an honor it was to be approached about the interim presidency. Being a part of KWC was a good move for me and a great way to end my career in higher ed. Those months were an exciting time; it felt good to be a part of the place I had admired from afar for such a long time.
“I was committed to a team approach during my time on campus. I knew I didn’t have all the answers, but I was surrounded by a good team, and together, we made it all work.
“As Cheryl says, ‘There is such a special sense of community at Wesleyan.’ We love being a part of that community. We give, and we attend as many events during the year as we can, which tells you what my time as interim president meant to me and how much we believe in KWC. We love the people.
“I am excited about Dr. Cousins and his leadership. The College has so much potential and needs the financial support of everyone who loves and believes in it.
“Contribute what you can; I know your gifts will be put to good use.”
Dr. Tice also served at Mississippi State University for 25 years and at the University of Alabama for six years. He is a U.S. Army veteran and served with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970.