A New Chapter Begins at Middlebury College with Baucom’s Inauguration

Leadership and Legacy: Ian B. Baucom Installed as Middlebury’s 18th College President

As the 18th President of Middlebury College, Ian B. Baucom was inaugurated on 2 November 2013. The ceremony was held in Virtue Field House just one day after the College celebrated its 225th anniversary. This feat rendered the ceremony even more special and meaningful. Around 500 people attended the ceremony, which included about 35 guests from other colleges and universities. Faculty, staff, students, and community members from the surrounding town filled the house. After William F. Truscott, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Middlebury, had officially welcomed Ian B. Baucom to the presidency, there was a warm welcome extended to him as he entered for his first speech.

According to accounts from the speech, Baucom appeared nostalgic about his own past and the potentially transformative force of liberal arts education. He considered himself a child of democratic education in America and its life-altering changes, not only in his life, but also in that of his parents. Thus, he felt that he had a debt of gratitude to uphold it for every student upon whom he had influence. Historically, he argued, his own life trajectory was juxtaposed with the early struggles in creating an identity for Middlebury College. The College had failed twice before the Vermont State Legislature in its quest for a charter, gaining one only in 1800. This, he argued, would be a demanding and resilient spirit, internalised in the fabric of Middlebury even today.

He further expounded that Middlebury College embodies the philosophical enactment of liberal arts education and the complement of knowledge to the development of life into adulthood. He stated that the institution affords freedom of expression and academic freedom as well as the tradition of valuing reasoning, evidence, science, and art, identified in the College's motto, Scientia et Virtus (Knowledge and Virtue). It is part of his vision for the future that Baucom announced Middlebury College would soon be kicking off a strategic planning process along the lines of, "What is Middlebury for?" This initiative seeks to clarify the unique role of the College within higher education and, more broadly, liberal arts universities.

James E. Ryan, former university president and now professor at the University of Virginia, where Baucom previously served as provost, was all praise for his colleague. Ryan described Baucom as a principled leader capable of performing the many roles expected of a College President—from strategist and fundraiser to teacher and community figure. He added that Baucom was grounded in integrity and openness to learning when it came to leadership style.

A range of events, from music to theatre and research exhibitions to academic roundtables, filled the inauguration weekend with life in celebration of Middlebury's academic and cultural life. Among these were several discussions moderated by Baucom himself with Middlebury scholars, on themes such as democratic citizenship, institutional responsibility, and climate action as part of liberal arts practice.

Community members informally joined together with Baucom and his family through ways like a Halloween party and dinners with students. These occasions, however, were not exactly formalised; rather, they were meant to stimulate a big part of what will be the spirit of inclusion at Middlebury College. Music did gird the entire ceremonies, with faculty and students performing pieces ranging from original compositions to selections from around the world and classical traditions. Among the featured performers making the festive atmosphere were the Middlebury Afropop Band and College Choir.

To share their reflections in a variety of ways were a diverse selection of speakers, such as Julia Alvarez, writer in residence emerita, and faculty members in various other departments. Student representatives, alumni, and local officials also had their reflections, reinforcing senses gathered together for some shared purpose within a community. Baucom opened his address with reference to the recent death of student Lia Smith, seeking a brief moment of silence for her memory. He concluded by reaffirming his intent to serve not solely as President of Middlebury College but as president of the whole community in both joyous moments and challenging ones.

Officially starting on 1 July, Baucom was appointed by the Board of Trustees in January 2025. Before coming to Middlebury, he held senior positions at the University of Virginia and was known for his commitment to reforming higher education leadership and governance. His appointment was viewed by many as an encouraging step ahead for Middlebury College, still one of the most highly regarded liberal arts universities in the country.

Editor's Note

The installation of Ian B. Baucom as the 18th President of Middlebury College not only marks a ceremonial transition; it opens a thoughtful, ambitious new chapter for one of America's most respected liberal arts institutions. The occasion was just before the 225th anniversary of the College, so the event was infused with greater depth and symbolism, evoking the legacy and ever-changing purpose of Middlebury. His address bore the clearest interpretation of what liberal arts education could accomplish. His personal saga, born from democratic education, was not merely poignant: it served as a powerful reminder of why institutions like Middlebury matter. His principal pledges to defend academic freedom, reason, and the quest for knowledge felt appropriate and necessary in the face of emerging pressures against higher education.  That single strategic one-liner he threw at the audience: "What's Middlebury for?" It's audacious and absolutely crucial. It asks the whole community to reflect, not on just what the College has been but what it might become in terms of students, scholarship, and society. This is precisely the kind of principled, even-handed discussion-based leadership that liberal arts universities need now. Events from scholarly roundtables to musical performances over the weekend put Middlebury at its best: inclusive, intellectually vibrant, and deeply linked to the community. Throughout those ostensive formal discussions and into informal gatherings, Baucom suggests a brand of leadership concerned with both vision and human connections. Middlebury College gives a president who seems ready to listen, lead, and learn, and that is no small thing. In a time of great change, when higher education must adapt yet remain true to itself, it seems appropriate and hopeful that Baucom has been appointed. The College and indeed the larger liberal arts community will be looking on with hope and expectation.

As per SkooBuzz, Middlebury College welcomes a new president who appears ready to listen, lead, and learn, a hopeful sign for the institution and the broader liberal arts community as they navigate a time of profound change.

FAQs

1. Who is Ian B. Baucom, the new president of Middlebury College?

Ian B. Baucom was officially appointed as the 18th President of Middlebury College by the Board of Trustees in January 2025. He began his tenure on 1 July 2025. Before this, he held senior leadership roles at the University of Virginia, including serving as provost and professor of English. He is widely respected for his commitment to reforming higher education leadership and governance.

2. When and where did the inauguration of Ian B. Baucom take place?

The inauguration was held on 2 November 2013 at Virtue Field House, just one day after Middlebury College celebrated its 225th anniversary. The timing added historical weight and symbolic resonance to the occasion.

3. What does the inauguration of a college president involve?

The ceremony included formal installation by the chair of the Board of Trustees, an inaugural address, and a weekend of academic and cultural events. These ranged from scholarly roundtables and musical performances to community gatherings and student dinners, reflecting the inclusive and intellectual spirit of Middlebury College.

4. What themes did Ian B. Baucom highlight in his inaugural speech?

Baucom spoke passionately about the transformative power of liberal arts education, democratic values, and academic freedom. He positioned himself as a product of democratic education and pledged to defend its principles for future generations. His speech also drew historical parallels between his own journey and Middlebury’s founding struggles, reinforcing the College’s enduring resilience and purpose.

5. What is the significance of the question “What is Middlebury for?”

This strategic question, posed by Baucom, is both bold and necessary. It invites the entire Middlebury community to reflect on the College’s unique role—not just within higher education, but within society. It signals a shift from tradition to intentional reinvention, asking how Middlebury can continue to shape students, scholarship, and civic life in meaningful ways.

6. How does leadership affect student life and academics at liberal arts colleges?

Leadership at liberal arts institutions must balance vision with empathy. Baucom’s approach—marked by openness, integrity, and community engagement—suggests a presidency that values both intellectual rigour and human connection. His presence at informal events and his emphasis on inclusion indicate a leadership style that will likely strengthen student life and academic culture.

7. What initiatives will the 18th president of Middlebury College pursue?

Baucom announced a forthcoming strategic planning process centred around the question “What is Middlebury for?” This initiative aims to clarify the College’s mission and future direction, particularly within the context of liberal arts education and its evolving role in society.

8. How did the Middlebury community respond to the inauguration?

The response was warm and enthusiastic. Over 500 attendees—including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and delegates from 35 other institutions—gathered to celebrate. The weekend’s events showcased Middlebury’s academic depth, cultural richness, and strong community ties, reinforcing the sense of shared purpose and optimism.

9. What role did music and the arts play in the inauguration?

Music and the arts were central to the celebration. Performances by the Middlebury Afropop Band, College Choir, and faculty musicians added emotional depth and cultural vibrancy. These elements reflected Middlebury’s commitment to creative expression as a core part of liberal arts education.

10. Why is Ian B. Baucom’s appointment seen as a hopeful step for Middlebury College?

Baucom brings a blend of academic excellence, strategic insight, and principled leadership. His emphasis on listening, learning, and leading with integrity aligns with the values Middlebury holds dear. In a time when higher education faces complex challenges, his presidency offers a thoughtful and forward-looking path for one of the nation’s most respected liberal arts universities.