Message From the President
Dear Faculty, Staff, Students, Alumni, Trustees, and Friends of William Penn University,
After deep reflection and many meaningful conversations with my wife, Diane, I have informed the Board of Trustees that I will retire as President of William Penn University in the summer of 2027.
This decision was not made lightly. Serving William Penn University, my and Diane’s alma mater, has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Every step of this journey has been shaped by the people who make this institution extraordinary—our students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, donors, and community partners. Above all else, I feel profound gratitude.
I am grateful to our students, who bring energy, curiosity, resilience, and purpose to this campus every day. Watching you discover your voices, pursue your goals, and support one another has been a constant source of
inspiration. William Penn is, first and foremost, a student-centered institution, and you are the reason this work has mattered to me.
I am deeply thankful to our faculty and staff. Your commitment, creativity, and care for students define the William Penn experience. You have navigated change, uncertainty, and challenge with professionalism and heart, consistently stepping forward for the good of this community. The strength of this institution rests squarely on your shoulders, and it has been an honor to work alongside you.
To the Board of Trustees, I offer my sincere appreciation for your stewardship, partnership, and trust. Your steady leadership and belief in William Penn’s mission have provided essential guidance during times of growth and development. I am confident that you will lead the University thoughtfully through this transition and beyond.
I am equally grateful to our alumni, donors, and friends. Your generosity and advocacy have sustained William Penn and opened doors of opportunity for generations of students. Your continued engagement reflects the enduring bonds of this University family and ensures its future.
William Penn has always been more than a community—it is a family shaped by shared values of inclusion, opportunity, and respect for every individual. I have been continually grateful for the way students, employees, alumni, and community members have come together, especially during challenging periods, to support one another and move the institution forward.
As I approach this next chapter, I want to express special gratitude to Diane and my entire family. Diane strengthened me, enabled me to smile, and buoyed me for this work when I came home and wasn’t sure that was possible. At times she did this with humor and counsel, but most often just with her presence and the calming atmosphere that she has created in my life. My family’s support, patience, and encouragement have enabled me to serve fully in this role. They have shared this journey in both visible and behind-the-scenes ways, and I am profoundly thankful for the sacrifices they have made and the joy they bring to my life. It is time to give them more of my time and attention.
There is no perfect time for a leadership transition, but I believe renewal is essential for institutions to remain strong and responsive. I remain fully committed to my responsibilities during the year ahead and to supporting a thoughtful, smooth transition to new leadership. There is still important work for me to do in the coming year. William Penn University is well-positioned for the future, and I have great confidence in the people who will continue this important work.
In time, there will be space to reflect more fully on our years together. For now, please know how thankful I am for the experiences, relationships, and shared purpose that have defined my presidency. William Penn University will always hold a special place in my heart.
With sincere gratitude,
John E.E. Ottosson
President
May 11, 2026
Message From the Board
Dear William Penn University Community,
As you learned earlier today, President John Ottosson has informed the Board of Trustees of his decision to retire from William Penn University after the 2026-2027 academic year. While this announcement naturally
brings a mix of gratitude and reflection, it is first and foremost an opportunity to recognize and celebrate a presidency marked by courageous leadership, financial discipline, enrollment momentum, and steadfast commitment to students during an extraordinarily challenging period in higher education. William Penn University is much stronger thanks to his tireless leadership.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to express our deep appreciation to President Ottosson for the remarkable work accomplished during his tenure. These achievements were realized in partnership with highly dedicated faculty, staff, administrators, and supporters who share a deep love for William Penn University and its mission.
President Ottosson assumed leadership at a time when the institution faced significant financial, operational, and strategic challenges. Through disciplined stewardship and bold decision-making, the University consolidated its outstanding debt and reduced it by more than $14 million, strengthening the University’s financial foundation while positioning William Penn for long-term sustainability. Equally significant was the strategic separation from the for-profit partner operating the Adult Learner campus, followed by the thoughtful alignment of academic calendars and course syllabi between adult and traditional programs—creating a more cohesive and unified academic enterprise.
Under President Ottosson’s leadership, William Penn University will have invested more than $22 million in campus infrastructure upon the completion of the Spencer Chapel renovation project. This has addressed longstanding deferred maintenance needs while also enhancing the student experience through major improvements.
These investments also included new science laboratories created within underutilized white space, as well as the renovation of a larger residence hall—clear signals of confidence in the University’s academic and residential future.
John also played a key role in developing a more sustainable advancement model, grounded in a strong partnership with Musco and focused on broadening the University’s base of philanthropic support. This vision strengthened relationships with existing partners while inviting a wider group of supporters to invest in William Penn University’s mission.
Academically and programmatically, President Ottosson’s tenure expanded opportunities for students and strengthened enrollment pipelines. The addition of a four-year nursing program, two new 3+2 engineering programs in partnership with Iowa State University, six new athletic programs and expansion of participation opportunities in the fine arts significantly broadened access and appeal for prospective students. These efforts propelled William Penn to sustained growth at a time when many peer institutions were experiencing declines, culminating in record enrollment on the Oskaloosa campus.
Perhaps most notably, President Ottosson guided William Penn University through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with steadiness and care. The University remained open, protected community health, preserved the student experience, and—remarkably—continued to grow enrollment during this period. Through close collaboration with the conference, robust safety protocols were implemented, and all student-athletes were able to compete successfully.
Throughout his presidency, John Ottosson has demonstrated a deep commitment to students, a clear understanding of institutional realities, and a calm, principled leadership style that earned trust across the University community. The Board is profoundly grateful for his service and for the strong position in which he leaves William Penn University. We also acknowledge the support of John’s wife and family that allowed him to remain focused on the needs of the university.
The Board of Trustees has begun succession planning in accordance with established governance practices and will share additional information about the leadership transition and presidential search process in the coming
weeks. President Ottosson has expressed his intention to continue leading with the same focus and dedication throughout the transition period, ensuring stability and continuity for the University.
We invite the entire William Penn University community to join the Board in offering thanks for President Ottosson’s leadership and in praying for wisdom and discernment as the University prepares for this next
chapter.
With gratitude and confidence in the future of William Penn University,
Dr. Eric Nichols
Chair, Board of Trustees
William Penn University
May 11, 2026
Presidential Search Update: May 20, 2026
Dear Members of the William Penn University Community,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am writing to share an update regarding the upcoming presidential transition and to outline the process the Board has established to identify the next President of William Penn University.
As you are aware, President John Ottosson has announced his intention to retire in the summer of 2027. This timeline reflects a thoughtful, long‑standing plan and provides the University with a strong opportunity to conduct a deliberate, inclusive, and thorough search for its next leader.
The Board of Trustees has approved a clear set of procedures to guide this work and has authorized the formation of a Presidential Search Committee. I have been appointed by the Board to chair this committee, and I am honored to serve the University in this important role.
The Search Process at a Glance
At a high level, the search process will include the following elements:
Formation of a representative Presidential Search Committee, appointed by the Board of Trustees and composed of trustees, faculty, staff/administrators, an alum, and at‑large members, all selected for their integrity, judgment, and commitment to the mission of William Penn University.
A national search informed by broad consultation, including the solicitation of nominations and candidates from across the University community and beyond.
A confidential and rigorous review process, designed to ensure the strongest possible candidate pool while respecting the professional obligations of candidates.
Thorough vetting of finalists, including reference checks and background reviews.
Final interviews and selection by the Board of Trustees.
Throughout the process, the Board is committed to maintaining appropriate confidentiality while providing periodic updates to the University community on the search‘s progress. Regular communication will occur at key milestones to keep the community informed and confident in the integrity of the process.
Next Steps
In the coming weeks, the Board will finalize the membership of the Presidential Search Committee and determine whether to engage a professional search firm to support the process. Once convened, the committee will begin its work promptly, including listening to the community and refining the leadership profile needed to advance the University’s mission and strategic priorities.
This transition represents both a moment to honor President John Ottosson’s distinguished service and an opportunity to position William Penn University for continued strength, continuity, and opportunity in the years ahead. The Board is deeply committed to conducting a search that reflects the values, aspirations, and long‑term interests of the institution.
Thank you for your engagement, your trust, and your continued dedication to William Penn University. Further updates will be shared as the search moves forward.
Sincerely,
David Ahmad
Chair, Presidential Search Committee
William Penn University
Presidential Search Update: June 01, 2026
Dear Members of the William Penn University Community,
I am writing as a follow-up to my earlier communication regarding the presidential search process to share an important update. The Board of Trustees has now completed the appointments to the Presidential Search Committee, consistent with the Board’s Presidential Transition Procedures.
The following individuals have been appointed to serve on the Presidential Search Committee:
• Trustees: David Ahmad, Manny Garcia, Chris Hyland, Jeff McNulty, and Kim Holmberg
• Faculty Representatives: Dana Oswald and Wilton Wright
• Staff/Administrator Representatives: Kerra Strong and Heidi Scholes
• Alumni Representative: Linda Barnes
• Student Representative: A student will be identified for service on this committee this Fall
• At‑Large Members: James Feudner, Joe Crookham, and Jeanie Bieri
To address curiosity about my appointment as search chair, I have lived in Oskaloosa for over 40 years and have long recognized William Penn’s value to our community. I joined the Board of Trustees approximately 17 years ago. Despite the difficult timing, I accepted the role because of my commitment to creating educational opportunities for others. Every year, I am rewarded when I see our graduates walk across the stage and see the smiles on family and friends’ faces.
With these appointments, the Presidential Search Committee is now fully constituted. The committee will begin meeting shortly, with its initial work focused on identifying and engaging a professional search consultant to assist the committee in conducting a national search and developing a strong, diverse pool of candidates. An additional task of the committee will be to begin identifying the criteria for a successful presidential candidate.
As this work begins, members of the University community are encouraged to start reflecting on individuals who may be well-suited to lead William Penn University into its next chapter. The committee will be inviting nominations in the coming months, and your thoughtful consideration of potential nominees will be an important part of this process.
Throughout the search, the Board of Trustees and the Search Committee remain committed to maintaining appropriate confidentiality while providing timely updates at key milestones. Additional information about opportunities for engagement and nomination will be shared as the process moves forward.
Thank you for your continued interest, trust, and commitment to William Penn University.
Sincerely,
David Ahmad
Chair, Presidential Search Committee
William Penn University