Craft Era Begins
Jul 11, 2011
The sun was shining. The campus was in full bloom. The buzz of excitement could be heard on campus over the hum of the lawn mowers and peals of the campanile as Dr. William Craft began his presidency on July 11.
Craft filled his day with putting up his nameplate, meeting with the college leadership, answering interview questions and greeting faculty, staff and students. The lines of people snaked far behind the bell tower under the afternoon sun, waiting to say hello to the new president and his wife, Anne Craft.
Melissa Shugarman, a hall director at Concordia, says she has been awaiting this day.
“I think he’s going to bring great things to the Concordia community,” she says, “and I really look forward to working with him.”
President Craft took time to converse with each person. One student gifted him with a maroon and gold Cobber wristband.
Craft comes to Concordia from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, where he served as the vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college. He was named to Concordia’s presidency on March 21.
He and Anne just moved into the president’s residence on Eighth Street South in Moorhead, and they have been delighted by what they have experienced thus far.
“There is so much energy and strength in this place, such a deep, deep sense of community and purpose,” Craft says. “It really couldn’t be better.”
His wife Anne echoed his sentiments.
“It is extraordinary to be here,” she says. “The people are so welcoming.”
David Solberg, chair of the Board of Regents, couldn’t be happier to have Craft begin.
“It’s a grand day to take over the reins at Concordia,” he says.
Craft will have his second “first day” when the student body returns to campus this fall.
“We can’t wait until the fall to have the chance to get to know students,” Craft says.
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