Beloit’s Twelfth President: Dr. Eric Boynton
Beloit’s Board of Trustees unanimously chose Boynton after an extensive national search.
About Eric Boynton
Boynton brings to the presidency more than two decades of experience in higher education, with nearly 15 years in leadership roles, including four years at the highest level of Beloit College’s administration. As chief academic officer, he has overseen all college operations related to academic programming, faculty, and academic administration, including student-centered programs and initiatives such as advising, athletics, student services, career services, and residential life.
In his first few months as Beloit’s Provost, Boynton helped launch strategic initiatives expanding college-to-career pathways and teaching and mentoring. He took the lead in establishing Impact Beloit, the student career hub that will embrace regional community partnerships and be based in Beloit’s Morse Library after a $9 million grant-funded renovation, set to begin this summer. He is a member of the college’s anti-racist liaison team, which has created a roadmap for equity and inclusion called Becoming Better.
Boynton has presented at national conferences on topics in higher education administration, including about the nature of organizational change, supporting students’ career readiness, and holistic leadership in challenging times. He has co-edited three books and written and presented numerous scholarly papers. He currently serves as a mentor for chief academic officers through the Council of Independent Colleges and is a member of the executive board of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest.
Before joining Beloit, Boynton chaired the philosophy and religious studies department and directed the interdisciplinary studies, Black studies, and honors programs at Allegheny College in Pennsylvania. He holds a Ph.D. in the philosophy of religion from Rice University, a master’s degree in religious studies from Vanderbilt University, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Redlands.
Boynton and his wife, Julie, have two children, Jake, and Emma.
Endorsements
“We considered other very strong candidates, but the board was unanimous in choosing Eric. I really value Eric’s past accomplishments, enthusiasm, commitment to the college, hard work, and track record of working with the Beloit community.”
– Dick Niemiec’65, chair of Beloit’s Board of Trustees
“He came in with a clear vision for where Beloit needed to go, and helped move the college forward while staying true to Beloit’s culture. Beloit is an amazing place that is primed to enter its next generation, and Eric is the right leader to get there.”
– Kristin Bonnie, former Beloit Professor of Psychology, and Associate Dean of Faculty and the Learning Experience
“Eric brings people along with him, and he knows that change is necessary to thrive. He is collaborative and he can act — which he has done from the moment he arrived at Beloit, when he put Beloit out front because of the work during the pandemic.”
– Marjorie Hass, President of the Council of Independent Colleges
Meet the new president-elect
A formal inauguration ceremony is planned for the fall of 2023.