William R. Stott Jr., Ripon’s 10th president, has died at the age of 88

William R. Stott Jr., Ripon College’s 10th president, died Feb. 1 at the age of 88. He served at Ripon College from 1985-1995. He was a retired lieutenant of the United States Naval Reserve and held degrees from Columbia University and Georgetown University, as well as honorary degrees from Fisk University and Georgetown.

Under Stott, Ripon’s endowment nearly tripled. He was responsible for several major renovation projects, including Tri-Dorms, Bartlett, Scott Hall and Farr Hall. Stott taught an English class each semester and led popular classes and tours for the general public on topics such as Shakespeare, the Globe Theatre and bird-watching.

His wildlife art, photography and poetry were published and exhibited at Caestecker Gallery in 1995, and he led tours to the Antarctic, Costa Rica and other exotic locations.

Other administration positions include serving as vice president and dean of students at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.; assistant dean of students at Fordham University in New York; and business and management consultant for more than 75 colleges, universities, schools and nonprofit organizations.

He also was a teacher for more than 50 years, teaching college-level courses in the humanities, natural history, biological sciences, poetry, English and American literature, scripture, philosophy and history. His Scripture series, “The Power of Story,” constitutes an academic major in biblical theology and was delivered numerous times.

He taught ornithology and served as a director on the boards of the American Birding Association and Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center; was a Fellow National of the Explorers Club; and a published author of books of poetry that included his own sketches and drawings.

A full obituary with service information can be viewed here.

Posted February 2, 2024 in Administration, Faculty.

---

Related Posts