The Daily Times

Maryville College’s 11th president is a dynamic leader who’s equally comfortable working behind a desk and cheering with rabid Scots fans at a sporting event, according to students.

Dr. William T. “Tom” Bogart has fully immersed himself in the college’s activities and its student lives, said sophomore Jerica Johnson. “He truly embodies every aspect of Maryville College.”

During many athletic events, Bogart sits in the student section and talks with students. The president has also been known to throw Frisbees with students before his meetings.

On April 3, Bogart and three Maryville College students — Miranda Coffey, Zach Pickett and C.J. Burtner — ran in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon. The team finished in a time of 4 hours, 5 minutes, 42.5 seconds for the 26.2-mile course.

Bogart ran the final 6.1 miles, and students met him at the entrance to the stadium for a dash to the 50-yard line.

“He did well for a 47-year-old recovering from knee surgery,” Burtner said.

The president has even impressed students in minute ways, such as eating with them in the Proffitt Dining Room. “He just grabs his food and pulls up a chair. We don’t talk about anything important. We’ll talk about our plans for the weekend or school food,” said senior Sarah Davies.

“I recently talked with him about his company car, an Impala, and it was like joking with a friend,” Burtner added.

All of those gestures have gone a long way in the Maryville College community.

“We’re a real tight-knit community. So, it’s nice to have someone who fits the mold and loves Maryville College as much as the student body does,” Davies said.

Students optimistic

Students said they’re also optimistic about the college’s future with Bogart at the helm.

“I don’t know his stance on issues, but he’ll have our student body’s interests at heart,” Burtner said.

“Dr. Bogart started his Maryville College tenure in a dynamic moment, and he’s showed the confidence and expertise to take the college to a different level,” said Kyle Finnell, a senior who served on the presidential search committee.

“His first nine months have been very difficult in terms of management. The college has faced a lot of economic challenges, but he’s met them with poise and confidence. I think that shows a lot about his character and ability to lead this institution,” he said.

Bogart’s confidence has also reassured students, Finnell said. “He keeps telling us that the college will be in a really good position in 1-2 years. He’s an economics major from an Ivy League school (Princeton University) so it’s hard to argue with his expertise.”

Bogart will be inaugurated during a public ceremony scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Clayton Center.