By With the end of the Spring semester just around the corner, goodbyes and hellos are coming along with it.
This is especially true for Carroll College, saying goodbye to President John Cech, and welcoming the 19th President of Carroll College.
On Thursday, May 1, Dr. William N. “Bill” Ruud was announced as the 19th president of Carroll College, effective July 1, 2025.
After a long seven-month search for Carroll’s right fit, Dr. Ruud was chosen unanimously by the Presidential Search Committee.
But who really is Dr. Ruud?
You could say he has worn a number of hats throughout his life. He brings 17 years of experience as a college and university president, including a few years at Marietta College in Ohio, the University of Northern Iowa, and Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania.
Through his time at these institutions, he has paved the way for growth, enrollment, expansion of academic programs, strengthening campus communities, including athletics, and more.
“Students, guests, members of the Helena community, and the Montana community, I stand before you today as the 19th President of Carroll College, with profound gratitude and humility,” said Dr. Ruud. “I am deeply honored by your trust in me, and I am so excited to embark on this journey together.”
Dr. Ruud is more than the experience he carries. He is a practicing Catholic and former U.S. Army officer who holds a Ph.D. in Management and Organizational Behavior and an MBA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
“We’re super excited to welcome Dr. Ruud to our campus,” said senior and biology major from Creswell, Oregon, Jack Conway. “We’re really looking forward to all that he can provide and work with us students to make Carroll the best place it can be and to give us students a great experience.” Conway is the next ASCC President for Carroll College beginning in the Fall of 2025.
Of course, with Dr. Ruud’s welcoming, Carroll Colleges faculty, staff, and students all experience a heartfelt goodbye for President Cech. Cech has served as the President since June 2018, and has impacted the lives of all students.
“I also want to recognize our outgoing president, Dr. John Cech, who help Carroll grow in important ways,” said Dr. Ruud. “He added new academic programs, he expanded graduate studies, and strengthened our connection with the Helena community during often some very turbulent times. You leave behind the strong legacy that we will continue to build up.”
I had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Ruud to introduce myself and the Prospector. I am looking forward to what a new perspective will bring to our community, and I am excited to experience the plans Dr. Ruud has for Carroll’s students.
“I would love to tell the students that we’re here to cause you success and we’re here to build enrollment, we’re building partnerships for you in the community, for the college and for the rest of your lives,” said Dr. Ruud.
With the Spring smeester ending, we find ourselves in this bittersweet situation filled with gratitude for President Cech and excitement for what the future holds with Dr. Ruud.
