Announcement of Dr. Richard Trietley as 10th President of Viterbo
Feb. 10, 2022
On June 25, 2021, after the departure of Dr. Glena Temple, the Viterbo Board of Trustees and Viterbo Ministries appointed Dr. Richard Trietley as interim president of Viterbo University. Dr. Trietley joined Viterbo in 2017 and has served in several leadership capacities here and at St. Bonaventure University in New York state. The board was extremely grateful for his willingness to lead the university at a time of transition. At that time, the Board of Trustees began a process to find the next permanent president.
Early in our discussions we defined our philosophical approach to the hiring process. Before looking at any viable candidates, we wanted to first identify what kind of characteristics the next president of Viterbo should possess. We studied previous documents from past presidential searches and started a working document of characteristics. We then shared that draft with faculty, staff, students, and cabinet and deans in November at individual listening sessions. I want to thank the faculty and employees who provided additional input to their respective assembly leaders throughout this entire process. Every single comment was shared with the Board subcommittee. I am grateful to Stephanie Thorson-Olesen and Hope Hembd for their important roles throughout this process.
After those listening sessions the Board developed a series of behavioral based interview questions based on the desired characteristics.
Because the Board had the advantage to see Dr. Trietley in the role as interim president for an entire semester, and being pleased with his performance, in December the Board made the decision to interview Rick to see if he might be the next president of Viterbo. The Board wanted a determination of his suitability before our meeting on January 31st. If he was not the candidate who fit our job qualifications, we would begin a national search at that time.
On Tuesday, January 18th a subgroup of the Board comprised of myself, past chair Dan Gelatt, trustees Ann Boland, Dr. Paul Mueller, Barb Skogen, Brad Sturm, Lee’Ann Mathy, Sr. Sue Ernster and John Lyche interviewed Dr. Trietley. The interview was substantial and lengthy. Earlier that week he also submitted written answers to five questions. Those written answers were subsequently shared with the entire Viterbo Community.
After that interview process was complete, those Trustees made a unanimous decision to forward Dr. Trietley’s candidacy to the full Board. At our January 31st meeting the Board reviewed all the documentation concerning his candidacy. His performance the past semester as Interim President was also discussed. The full Board voted unanimously to forward Dr. Trietley’s candidacy to Viterbo Ministries, the governing body ultimately responsible for the appointment of a president to Viterbo. Viterbo Ministries unanimously accepted the nomination.
As Chair of the Viterbo Board of Trustees with the approval from Viterbo Ministries, it is my privilege to announce that Dr. Richard Trietley has been named the tenth president of Viterbo University effective today.
Here are some of the reasons the Board has chosen Dr. Trietley. First of all, he is committed to the Catholic, Franciscan vision of Viterbo. This was critically important for Viterbo Ministries, for they have been tasked with carrying on the legacy of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration who began this institution over 130 years ago. Secondly, throughout his career, Dr. Trietley has demonstrated a student-driven focus. Throughout the fall semester, the Board has received unsolicited comments from students praising Dr. Trietley’s work. Thirdly, the most common phrase we heard in our listening sessions was the desire for stability and calm leadership. Dr. Trietley certainly demonstrates that. We wanted a president who was committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Within the first weeks of his role as interim president, Dr. Trietley successfully petitioned the Board to elevate the open position for diversity, equity, and inclusion to a cabinet level position. He understands the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion for Viterbo. In only a few short months, Dr. Trietley has demonstrated the ability to connect with Viterbo benefactors to help with the ongoing funding of the University.
The Board has had the unique opportunity to work with Dr. Trietley in his interim capacity for the last seven months. He doesn’t come to us as a candidate we only got to know through an interview and a few days on campus. What we witnessed in his interview is what we have seen in action.
Finally, and on a personal note, this is what has most impressed me with Dr. Trietley. He and I meet every Monday to discuss various issues that affect the University. The discussions can be challenging and sometimes a clear solution is not readily available, for these are unprecedented times. What I learned about Dr. Trietley is that he thinks and prays about his decisions. If a leader of a Catholic, Franciscan institution makes decisions influenced by prayer, the attributes of servant leadership are not far behind.
Finally, I want to express my gratitude to the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. We would not be here today if it were not for their courageous, Gospel-centered leadership. I want to thank the faculty and staff here at Viterbo. All of you do amazing work that literally transforms our world. You make a difference. Please don’t ever forget that. I am grateful to our students. You are the reason we are here. You make all of this worthwhile, enjoyable and life-giving. Finally, I want to thank the Viterbo Board of Trustees. They volunteer their time and talents in ways that benefit this institution immensely.