President William Troutt

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Relive the accomplishments, memories and fun from the President′s first ten years at Rhodes.

Now in his second decade at Rhodes and his third as a college president, William E. Troutt is one of only four college presidents in America currently serving in that capacity for over 30 years. A nationally recognized leader in education, he has worked with key stakeholders to establish strategic aspirations for Rhodes. As a result, Rhodes has strengthened its focus on excellence in the classroom and beyond through student research, internships, study-aboard, service, and stronger connections with the Memphis community. During his tenure, Rhodes was twice named the "Most Service-Oriented College in America" by Newsweek.

A new college curriculum, the establishment of endowed faculty chairs and support, key partnerships to enhance student learning, the move from scholarships to fellowships, and a nationally-recognized student work program are a few of the outcomes of the Rhodes Vision. Additionally, he has worked closely with trustees to implement a new trustee governance structure which serves as a national model.

In 2005 President Troutt secured a $35 million gift, the largest in the college′s history, to build the Paul Barret, Jr. Library. Since then he has overseen a campus master plan, placing the library at the heart of the growing residential campus. He continues to secure resources in an ongoing effort to bring ambitious academic, residential, and athletic space plans to fruition.

The Bolivar, Tennessee, native has chaired national organizations (American Council on Education, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities) and Congressional committees on higher education while remaining down-to-earth, good-humored, and always focused on the task at hand.

He takes pride in being a "students′ president" and is seen regularly with his wife, Carole, walking their Old English sheep dog, Maggie, on the campus grounds. He is also the proud father of Jack Troutt and Carole Ann Troutt Schmidt, and grandfather of J.P. Schmidt.