Ruth P. Feingold appointed vice president for academic affairs

Ruth P. Feingold has arrived at Grinnell College to begin her role as vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College, and she’s bringing a tenfold experience in liberal arts education with her.  

Dr. Feingold, who began her role at the College on July 1, has held numerous leadership positions such as working as dean of college and dean of faculty of arts and sciences at Willamette College. At St. Mary’s College of Maryland, she served as associate dean of faculty and associate dean of faculty. Her appreciation for a liberal arts education as an Oberlin undergraduate and her fondness for Grinnell’s quirky spirit are what excites Feingold about joining Grinnell’s community.

“Grinnell has a storied place among liberal arts colleges, as a school with superb academics, a serious commitment to access, and its own special kind of quirk,” said Feingold. “I like quirky.”

Feingold’s background in English and gender studies will inform her approach as dean. Her teaching and scholarship focused on gender, race, ethnicity, national identity, and the ways they intersect and influence one another. She said that she plans to let her understanding of people and the institutions in which they operate shape her responses and choices in order to create a more inclusive space.

In her first year, Feingold said she will focus on listening, observing, and getting to know the people who make up the Grinnell community. She wants to better understand what the Grinnell community values and where students, staff, and faculty see room for change.

“Getting to know the community. That’s my short-term goal,” Feingold said. “Talking with people from across campus to find out what’s important to them about Grinnell, and what they think needs improving. Keep, stop, start: what do we keep on doing, what do we stop doing, what do we start doing?”

Feingold’s long-term goals are intentionally broad for now. Rather than arrive with a fixed agenda, she wants to contribute meaningfully, based on what she learns. “I want to contribute to the college and the town, and find ways of leaving things better than I found them,” said Feingold. “I want to have a positive impact in whatever way I can. It’s going to take some time to discover the best ways for me to do that.”

Feingold is mindful of the challenges ahead, both on campus and beyond. She noted that higher education is being upended at the federal level, and said that the best way to prepare for this is by staying informed. She also recognized the importance of resisting coming in with assumptions based on past experiences. While small liberal arts colleges often share similar values, the culture can vary between institutions. 

“Small liberal arts colleges have a lot in common with one another,” said Feingold. “But different schools’ responses to the same problem might be dramatically different from one another. It’s all in the culture, and the history, and it’s important to be very cognizant of that. So the challenge is to bring in everything I’ve learned from working at two other schools, but not to let that past experience shape my thinking too much. Grinnell is Grinnell, and I need to take it on its own terms.”

Feingold’s impression of the campus and the students has been positive. From loving the open spaces in the Humanities and Social Studies Center (HSSC), to admiring the charm of the older houses, Feingold has already begun to appreciate the Grinnell’s unique atmosphere. 

“It’s a lovely midwestern campus,” said Feingold. “I only got to talk with about half a dozen students, but they seemed excited about what they were doing in college. I’m looking forward to teaching some of them in a class at some point.”

As she settles in the role, Feingold hopes students, staff, and faculty will see her as approachable, open to feedback, and genuinely excited to be part of the Grinnell community.

“You don’t have to be scared about me not wanting to be here,” said Feingold. “I like small towns and the midwest.”