President Tim Collins recently sat down for an in-depth interview with Canton Repository reporter Amy L. Knapp, where he shared insights about his unique journey from U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and instructor to leading Walsh University. The conversation highlighted how his military experience has shaped his strategic vision, leadership approach, and commitment to serving the university community, reflecting a wider trend of veteran presidents bringing their skills to higher education leadership. Here is an excerpt from the article:
As a youngster embarking on his military career at Georgia Military College and later the Air Force Academy, Walsh University President Tim Collins' purpose was serving his country.
After a successful career as a fighter pilot and instructor in the U.S. Air Force, his purpose shifted again as he took on various leadership roles at Johns Hopkins University. But in 2019, Collins began thinking about what was next.
That new purpose found him. A consultant suggested he was the right fit to lead a university. He took over as president of Walsh, a private Catholic university with more than 2,100 students in North Canton.
"I felt like I can do this. I felt like I was being called to do this," Collins said. "This is still very much service."
Collins is among a growing number of retired military members leading public and private colleges and universities — big and small — across the country.
