Wilkes University officially welcomed its eighth president, Dr. James Cousins, ushering a new era for the institution.

On June 25, the Board Of Trustees held a press conference in the E.S. Farley Library. Students, faculty, staff and alumni were able to speak with Cousins alongside several board members.

Cousins served as the president of Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, Kentucky since 2024. Before that, he was an adviser and a professor. He has a background in education as well as history. While at Kentucky Wesleyan College, Cousins was able to launch its first graduate program and strengthen its financial position. He also served as the associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences at Western Michigan University.

The selection of Cousins follows a nationwide search process that involved members of the Board and Trustees as well as members across the university community. Students asked to be part of the search also had a significant role, providing their input and helping evaluate the more than 100 candidates that submitted applications.

Joining Wilkes means representing an opportunity to lead the university to success.

“What attracted me to Wilkes is really how unique it is,” Cousins said following the press conference.

From his background in higher education, Cousins mentioned that he was impressed by the university’s ability to combine a close-knit environment with its academic opportunities.

“To have that kind of relationship with students, it is really hard to find,” Cousins said. “A lot of institutions have sacrificed one for the other.”

He pointed to Wilkes’ professional and graduate programs, including pharmacy, engineering and nursing, while emphasizing the importance of making personal connections with the students. To Cousins, this combination creates an experience like no other both inside and outside of the classroom.

While the press conference marked the official beginning of his presidency, Cousins said his immediate focus will be on learning the wants and needs of students, staff and faculty rather than implementing changes.

“I think it’s a lot of listening, a lot of learning,” he said when asked about his priorities for the upcoming academic year.

Cousins plans on getting to know the cultures that are part of Wilkes University. He emphasized the importance of understanding students’ experiences and concerns.

“What makes it so special? What their journey looks like coming in, what their needs and
anxieties are,” Cousins said.

Many members of the presidential search committee worked to find someone with qualities like that of Cousins. Dr. Bill Miller, chair of the Board of Trustees and chair of the presidential search committee noted that the committee looked for a candidate who could unite the university community through upcoming years.

“We were looking for a president who would lead the university by working, listening and really understanding students, faculty and the whole business side of the university,” Miller said.

Miller mentioned that the search process happened during an important period for the university; a period for change and growth. He believes that Cousins is the right candidate to bring the university into a new era.

As Wilkes prepares for the new transition, Miller believes Cousins’ arrival represents more than just a change in leadership.

“I think it’s a new era,” Miller said. “Dr. Cousins is bringing new energy, a new focus.”

Miller also highlighted the excitement surrounding the arrival of the new president. The turnout to the press conference showed how the community can come together. He also said that students and faculty will benefit from having a president who is visible and engaged in the community.

“He’s a very approachable, nice guy,” Miller said. “He’s going to be around. He’s going to be at all the games and theater productions.”

Students who worked on the search committee also echoed these sentiments. Emma Miller, a rising sophomore and member of the presidential search committee, said students were much more involved with the search than she initially expected.

“We were treated like complete equals to the board members,” Miller said. “We did everything that everybody else did.”

Miller and her peers reviewed application materials, participated in interviews and spent time with candidates in both formal and informal settings to test their life outside of being an educator. To Miller, one of the most important qualities she and the other members were looking for was transparency. She explained that the students wanted a president who would have open communication and remain visible with the campus community throughout their time at Wilkes.

Visibility extends beyond their administrative responsibilities. Students wanted someone who would engage with everyday campus life and see through the eyes of the students. They wanted someone who was open to attending campus events such as athletics, performances and student activities. For Miller, the interactions she had with Cousins reflected the type of leadership students want to see moving forward. As a student athlete herself, Miller said she is especially excited about having a president who plans on attending athletic events and supporting student organizations.

Looking ahead, Miller believes that Cousins will bring new ideas and a new culture to the campus community. She is expecting him to foster new relationships through the campus community.

“He wants to be involved, and he wants to get to know everybody,” she said. “He’s not just someone who’s going to be here and do his job and sit in his office.”