In an interview with The Gustavian Weekly, President Ohle spoke regarding the current transitional phase of the college.

“I believe that the transition from one administration to another is an exciting time on a college campus. I have been fortunate to be involved in a number of those over my career; I have served now six very great institutions. And at four, of those I was on the campus while there was a transition happening, and I think that it is an exciting time,” Ohle said.

Ohle also spoke regarding the election of Rebecca M. Bergman as his successor.

“As you would guess, because President Elect Bergman and I have known each other for the entire time that I have been here, because she has been on the Board of Trustees, we will have an opportunity to talk, but she has said that she will respect my position as president, and certainly I will respect her opportunity to take some time to prepare and I will be available to help in any way that I can,” Ohle said.

Ohle also commented on what he sees for the future of Gustavus and President Elect Bergman.

“[President Elect Bergman] is an outstanding person and will bring tremendous talent to the position and she also will bring tremendous energy and experience,” Ohle said.

Within his last few months as president, Ohle hopes to set up for a smooth transition.

“Since the very beginning when I announced that Kris and I had decided to retire and that I would work with the Board to put in place a structure and a plan for the transition that would be helpful to the next president. That is exactly what we are trying to do,” Ohle said.

Following his retirement, Ohle looks forward to giving back.

“I want to give back because I have been blessed in my life with people doing wonderful things to help the institutions I have served and I want to help the institutions that others serve,” Ohle said.