Richard Hansen has a decidedly long-range perspective on his work as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Wentworth.
Among other projects, the soft-spoken administrator is working on the Institute’s EPIC curriculum and graduate programs. He’s been building on Wentworth’s innovation focus, advocating for new scholarly partnerships on campus, assessing student learning, and pressing departments to take full advantage of grant opportunities.
“In many respects,” says Hansen, “my role reflects the institutional mission. On the one hand you need to excel in the present but, on the other, you have to stay focused on the future.”
Rich Hansen (Photo by Greg Abazorius)
Since he arrived at Wentworth, Hansen has also helped President Zorica Pantic and Fred Driscoll, dean of the College of Engineering and Technology, form a sixth department—Interdisciplinary Engineering—within the College of Engineering and Technology.
“Richard has been doing a great job strengthening the academic infrastructure and collaborating with the faculty and other vice presidents,” said Pantic.
With strong support from the Faculty Senate and Board of Trustees, Pantic has retained Hansen through June 15, 2017—in part to help with an accreditation report for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
His previous positions in higher education have ranged from academic affairs to administration, public affairs, institutional research, and student services. He’s worked at institutions from the University of New Orleans to Thomas A. Edison State College and Norwich University.
Hansen holds a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Denver.
—Dennis Nealon
