Susan Hasseler 21st president of Muskingum University

NEW CONCORD - Muskingum University officially welcomed its 21st president on Friday.

Dr. Susan S. Hasseler delivered her inauguration address to students, alumni and community members. Hasseler became the university's president July 1, replacing Anne C. Steele, who was president since 2000.

Since arriving in New Concord, Hasseler has made an effort to get to know the community and the university.

"My husband and I have just been delighted to get to know New Concord," Hasseler said. "We've been welcome and we've had some wonderful conversations about building future connections."

Hasseler's inauguration address took a look at the past of Muskingum University before offering a glimpse of the future.

"Because our world is always evolving, student experiences need to evolve as well," Hasseler said. "I'm focusing on how we can keep creating meaningful experiences for students to learn and connect with the community."

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Hasseler said she will look to build partnerships and have a presence in the community and beyond. She will seek new opportunities for students and faculty to learn with, and from, the communities that surround New Concord. She said students will have more opportunities so they can explore their gifts and callings.

While Hasseler spoke about investing in new opportunities for students, she also touched on investing in the campus.

"We will continue to develop this campus, providing academic, residential, athletic and recreational spaces that meet the needs of today's and tomorrow's learners," Hasseler said.

Alex Furst, a sophomore soccer player at the university, has noticed improvements to campus facilities and he's excited to see what the future has to hold for the university.

"I've been seeing a lot of good changes on campus and we wanted to get the whole soccer team out to show support for her," Furst said. "I'd like to see her continue building our academics to create more opportunities for our students."

Hasseler's first goal as president was to meet as many students, faculty members and community members as possible. She wanted to feel connected to the community and the campus.

Breanna Bailey, a sophomore on the lacrosse team, said she's noticed Hasseler's excitement and desire to be involved with students.

"She's really supported us and she was at our first practice and first game," Bailey said.

Hasseler's commitment to the student body has Bailey excited for the future. She's hopeful Hasseler can improve residential halls.

Hasseler's goal as the next president of the university is to prepare students for their professional careers.

"We want to make sure we provide support in every way possible for students to be successful from the time they walk out the door," Hasseler said. "I can often measure student experiences by what alumni go out and do."

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