Michael J. Sosulski, Ph.D.

The Optimist Academic

The first thing Dr. Sosulski says to you when you meet him is, “Call me, Mike.” This month, Mike will be handing out diplomas to graduates at Washington College’s 240th Commencement, the Class of 2023, and while doing so, he will be just as excited about their future as they will be.

Since taking on the role as the College’s 31st President in 2021, Sosulski, a genuine and affable man, has been upbeat and passionate about his school community and the future of the institution, despite a bleak, years-long societal narrative about higher education, its costs, and the future of Liberal Arts educations, in general.

“What’s so interesting in assuming this position in this place right now—this is a terrific college. I think the rumors about its untimely demise were greatly exaggerated, to quote Samuel Clemens,” explains Sosulski.

He says that while colleges overall did hit a “rough patch” due to declining enrollments and demographic shifts with not as many high school graduates opting to continue their education beyond that point, he is encouraged by what he has seen thus far in terms of financials at Washington College.

“Despite our enrollment challenges in the last several years, ironically, our balance sheets have never looked better. And that’s because of our endowment, and because of the really shrewd fiscal management of our CFO,” he says.

Sosulski cites The Hodson Trust, of which Washington College has been beneficiary since 1928.

“[The Trust] continues to support us in the seven-figure range every year.”

He did add, that while the Trust is nearing its legal conclusion, the College will be receiving a sizable final distribution that he feels confident will help them attain the greater goals of: continuing to hire the best educators and staff, providing for investment in cam- pus infrastructure, strengthening their diversity initiatives, and expanding their communications platforms.

Sosulski carries the background of a seasoned leader in change management from his position as Provost at Wofford College and, prior to that, as Associate Provost at Kalamazoo College.

“When I started [here], the College’s audited financials were showing about a $12 million annual operating deficit. But, by next year, we will have worked that down to about $3.4 million…so we are making great progress.”

Which makes Mike optimistic.

“I think I can really help here, and I just believe so deeply in the liberal arts as an educational model. I think that’s the best model out there.”