Staff Writer- Alex Ogle

This week’s Gustie of the Week is Gustavus President John Volin. As President, Volin represents Gustavus and its values, organizes funding, fundraising, and strategy plans, and makes sure that the entirety of the Gustavus institution runs smoothly. President Volin arrived on The Hill this past August, alongside his partner Valeria and their dog Sophia, after years of working in various collegiate-level positions at different East Coast universities, taking a special interest in environmental research and connecting people with nature. This interest allowed him to earn multiple degrees, which include two bachelor’s in botany and biology, a master’s in agronomy, and a PhD in forestry.

President Volin’s initial draw to his position came from Gustavus’s emphasis on providing a well-rounded, supportive education that helps students succeed far beyond their undergraduate years. He admired the perseverance of staff, students, and faculty to create meaningful, happy lives for themselves far beyond the boundaries of campus. He saw how these things moved Gustavus forward with tremendous momentum, even during this time of academic turmoil. The culmination of Gustavus’ diligence, compassion, and excellence that pushes the community towards progress led to Volin’s decision – and eventual acceptance – of the role as the college’s President.

Once President Volin and his family moved to campus in early August, the warmth of the community was immediately felt. Staff and faculty greeted them as they moved into their home, various departments helped them settle in, and each interaction was filled with compassion and acceptance into the Gustavus community. When President Volin witnessed first-year arrivals on campus, he realized that his introduction to Gustavus was nothing out of the ordinary. Each new arrival was treated with the same kindness and support he had received.

“Everything was done and offered, to them and to us, with a smile and with unwavering dedication,” President Volin said.

As he has settled into campus life and his new position, President Volin has reflected on the many meaningful interactions he has had with students, staff, and faculty. Beginning with his first interactions with the search committee, he observed the deep love people have for the college. Last May, when he and Valeria had their first introduction to the larger Gustavus community, they witnessed an unwavering energy and spirit. And when President Volin saw the same passion in Gustavus Alumni, ranging from the 1950s to a mere year ago, he realized that the light of the community never died out, even after leaving campus.

Those who have had the opportunity to connect with President Volin have seen these same values and attributes within his leadership. They are excited to see President Volin make an impact on campus through his position and love for the community. One of these people is Gustavus Associate Vice President of Mission and Executive Chaplain Grady St. Dennis, who sat on the presidential search committee.

“The sincerity and heart with which President Volin has approached his leadership of our community is inspiring. I appreciate his experience and emphasis on advancing the well-being of students, faculty, and staff,” Chaplain St. Dennis said.

Others have had similar experiences with President Volin, particularly senior Lupe Olague, who sat on the presidential search committee as a student representative, and Provost and Dean of the college Brenda Kelly. Both stated that President Volin brings an unmatched level of kindness and investment in the well-being of Gusties. They think that President Volin is just the leader that Gustavus needs.

“When he said that he would hit the ground listening rather than running, I knew he was the ideal person,” Olague said.

“In the short time that I have worked with President Volin, I have found him to be highly invested in the satisfaction and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. He is an excellent listener and enjoys engaging around ideas to make this community even better,” Provost Kelly said.

President Volin hopes that his leadership will bring Gustavus into a larger spotlight. He noted that the college is often known as a “best-kept secret” and he wants the nation—and even the world—to acknowledge the community’s hard work and dedication to education. He wants Gustavus to be recognized as a place that values learning and growth in every aspect and corner of life, not just in the classroom; in other words, supporting the potential of the whole student, in and outside of academics.

“We already do so many things incredibly well, and I want that to be known nationally and internationally. Most importantly, my goal is to ensure Gustavus continues to nurture the whole student—mind, body, and spirit—so that our students not only thrive while they’re here, but also go on to live happy, meaningful, and fulfilling lives long after graduation,” President Volin said.

As he works towards an even brighter future with the Gustavus community, President Volin is taking the small steps required to ensure everyone on campus is seen and heard. He appreciates taking walks with his family and meeting students, listening to their worries, their passions, or even just exchanging a friendly smile. He enjoys campus events, seeing the Arboretum, and bringing his dog Sophia to greet the community with a smile (and the occasional tail wag).

It seems that even after a short time at Gustavus, President Volin has made himself at home, with a community that will stop at nothing to ensure that each and every student can go beyond.