In the wake of the departure of school president Jill Baren, Lake Forest College officials were sending messages intending to reassure the community of the school’s commitment to higher education.
On Tuesday, Dec. 10, LFC Chairman Bill Lowry informed stakeholders that Baren was no longer the school president, leaving the role she had served in since July 2022. No explanation was provided for Baren’s departure and neither Lowry nor a university spokeswoman responded to requests for additional comment.
Professor of Religion Benjamin Zeller, who is the Chairman of the Faculty Personnel Policies Committee, had no comment on the developments.
In his message, Lowry largely focused on the announcement that Rob Krebs would be serving as interim replacement. Krebs is a retired President and CEO of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation who has served on the LFC board of trustees since 1990 and had two different stints as board chairman.
He and his wife, Anne, donated their Lake Forest home to the college setting up the creation of the Krebs Center for the Humanities, according to Lowry’s letter.
After Lowry’s message, Krebs sent a separate note to the community on Dec. 12.
“Over the years, I have come to admire the Lake Forest College community’s steadfast dedication to excellence. Our world-class faculty inspires students every day, and the collaboration of faculty, staff, and students has resulted in the many accolades and soaring rankings that reflect our shared success. The last few years on the board have been a delight as we bore witness to the many accolades earned by you all,” Krebs wrote.
While Lowry’s letter barely mentioned Baren, Krebs offered praise for her efforts, saying many of the school’s accomplishments were announced when she was school president.
“I’m grateful to Jill for her time on campus and many of the initiatives that she led and championed as a Forester,” Krebs wrote. “We should all wish her well in her next endeavor.”
Krebs then noted, “While the announcement of Jill Baren’s departure may have come as a surprise — especially during such a busy time — I assure you that the college remains in capable hands. I am fortunate to be supported by the Senior Leadership Team, a talented and committed group of campus leaders, as well as the College’s Board of Trustees.”
With the LFC provost position officially titled as the Krebs Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Krebs said he would work closely with Provost Tara Natarajan to ensure continuity, advance the school’s academic mission, support faculty and meet the needs of students.
In another message to the community, Natarajan herself echoed a similar sentiment offered by Lowry and Krebs in her own letter obtained by Pioneer Press.
“Our commitment to supporting faculty, academic departments and initiatives remains unchanged,” Natarajan wrote. “Academic affairs is strong and full of vision and inspiration to create positive changes that support the stellar work of faculty, staff, departments and programs, and committees. I am grateful to all of the offices and programs that come together and create one of the most vibrant, intellectually stimulating and student-centered living and learning environments.”
LFC started its winter vacation on Dec.16 with classes set to resume on Jan. 13.
Lowry added the board would start a national search for a permanent replacement in January.
“This process will seek a leader who embodies our values, understands the needs of everyone who makes up our community, and has the vision to further elevate Lake Forest College’s position as a leader in higher education,” he wrote.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.