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Troy VanAken is currently the 19th President and
Professor of Mathematics at Thiel College in Greenville, Pennsylvania. Dr.
VanAken holds a bachelor’s degree from Hillsdale College, and master’s and
doctorate degrees from Bowling Green State University. A native of Michigan, his
career in higher education began in 1994 when he was appointed assistant
professor of Mathematics at the University of Evansville and where he was later
selected as assistant vice president for instructional technology. In 1999,
Albion College named Dr. VanAken as vice president for information technology.
After being awarded an
American Council on Education Fellowship and working at San Jose State
University in 2002-2003, Dr. VanAken returned to Albion College with expanded
responsibilities as athletic director and executive assistant to the president,
and eventually vice president for business and finance. Dr. VanAken participated
in Harvard University’s Institute for Educational Management in 2005 and was
named Albion’s executive vice president in 2006.
Dr. VanAken has authored refereed articles in mathematics and given
presentations in the fields of mathematics, technology, athletics, and higher
education. Throughout his career, Dr. VanAken’s emphasis has been on ensuring
that students are provided an experience that prepares them for the world that
waits after graduation. Thus, he has remained an academic and student champion
as his management responsibilities have expanded to include athletics, business,
finance, fundraising, facilities and technology. He played a leadership role at
the University of Evansville in securing private funding to develop a Center for
Teaching Excellence, and obtaining a National Science Foundation grant to
develop an Interdisciplinary Math and Science Course. Dr. VanAken was a member
of the Albion College Campaign Leadership Committee and served as acting head of
the Institutional Advancement division in 2007.
In addition to experience as a high school football and track coach, Dr. VanAken
has assisted both the NCAA and collegiate athletic conferences through committee
service. He remains active in economic and community development and has started
three successful technology related companies. In the past, Dr. VanAken has
served as a facilities, technology and strategic planning consultant in addition
to being an expert witness in a federal software licensing case.
Dr. VanAken and his wife, Annette, have two children, Trey and Gabriella. |