Briar Cliff names Bev Wharton president

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
Posted February 13, 2003

Beverly Wharton, interim president for the last 21 months at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, was named the university's ninth president. She is the first laywoman to hold that position in history of the school, established in 1930 by the Sisters of St. Francis.

"I am honored to accept this appointment as the ninth president of Briar Cliff University," she said. "Briar Cliff is a wonderful liberal arts institution, founded in the Catholic, Franciscan tradition that truly lives its mission of providing a quality education in an environment that promotes service, compassion and community."

Sister Dorothy Heidersheit, O.S.F., chairperson of BCU's board of trustees, made the announcement that Wharton will assume the position of president, effective immediately, at a Feb. 11 press conference.

She pointed out that the announcement followed a four-month national search facilitated by Dr. Harold Kolenbrander of Academic Search Consultation Services located in Washington, D.C. All members of the university community, alumni and board of trustees had an opportunity to meet and visit with the final three candidates in January.

"With the diligent work of the search committee, bringing their whole-hearted support behind the recommendation to the board of trustees, on Jan. 31 the board of trustees for Briar Cliff University unanimously appointed Mrs. Beverly Wharton as the next president of Briar Cliff University," said Sister Dorothy.

The search committee consisted of a cross-section of all constituents of Briar Cliff including staff, faculty, administrators, students, alumni and the board of trustees.

She said that Wharton possesses a wide variety of skills - especially those of leadership and planning - that will serve her well as president in this exciting and yet challenging time for Briar Cliff and all liberal arts colleges.

Having served as the interim president, Sister Dorothy pointed out that Wharton brings "a continuity to the office of presidency." In her interim capacity, the new president has had the opportunity to see the strengths of the school as well as had the chance to identify what Briar Cliff needs in order to move forward.

"We look forward to the strength and the wisdom that will come with this," said Sister Dorothy, who described Wharton as a champion for Catholic education. "We also know that the Briar Cliff community - the students, the faculty, administration and staff - all join me in welcoming the ninth president of Briar Cliff University."

Wharton extended thanks and appreciation to the search committee, the board of trustees, the employees, students and alumni of BCU along with members of the Siouxland community and her husband, Jim.

"During the last 21 months I have had the opportunity to work closely with students, faculty, staff, administration, alumni, our board of trustees and our community to further the goals of Briar Cliff University. As interim president, working with the leadership team of Briar Cliff, we have concentrated on growth and enhancing the learning environment of our students," she said.

Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo, a member of the university's board of trustees, said that Wharton continues to demonstrate a deep commitment to both the university and the community. He added that her deep Catholic faith makes her an outstanding witness to Catholic education.

"Mrs. Wharton's work as acting president has been exemplary and I am confident that her leadership, combined with the strength and dedication of the faculty, staff and administration, will bring continued growth to the university and the students it serves," said the bishop.

Wharton pointed out that the university has a very good relationship with the Diocese of Sioux City and her goal would be to continue to strengthen it. For example, in the last few months she has attended deanery meetings that have enabled her to meet the priests of the diocese and get the word out about Briar Cliff.

"Bishop DiNardo has been so supportive of Briar Cliff and the connection to the diocese," she added.

She stressed that the university's initiatives and goals are set.

"At Briar Cliff, we affirm higher education as an expression of the vocation to know, love and serve God," said Wharton. "We encourage our students to use their professional skills and knowledge to the fullest while showing care and compassion for others in being of service to their community. Our world needs people like graduates of Briar Cliff University."

Prior to serving as interim president at Briar Cliff University since June 1, 2001, Wharton was employed by MidAmerican Energy Company from 1976 to 1999. Her executive experience at MidAmerican included serving as senior vice president for regulatory and legislative activities, senior vice president for energy delivery, president of the Midwest gas business unit and senior vice president of support services.

Wharton holds a bachelor of science degree from Southern Illinois University and a master's of business administration degree from University of South Dakota. The Whartons have one daughter.