Hillsdale College, after a sex scandal that brought down its president last fall, is getting a new leader.
Larry P. Arnn, director of the libertarian Claremont Institute and a critic of affirmative action, was named president last week. Tiny Hillsdale has built a national reputation by refusing federal money and espousing conservative values.
Mr. Arnn helped coordinate the 1996 ballot initiative in California that prohibited racial preferences at state agencies. The Claremont Institute publishes research and seeks “a limited and accounted government that respects private property, promotes stable family life, and maintains a strong defense.”
He has no experience in academic administration, according to his biography. Mr. Arnn received a bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State University, and master’s and doctoral degrees from Claremont Graduate University.
He replaces George C. Roche III, who resigned after his daughter-in-law charged that they had had an affair for 19 years. She committed suicide on the campus after confronting Mr. Roche.
“We now have an opportunity to focus on the future,” said William J. Broadbeck, a Hillsdale trustee and chairman of the search committee.
Mr. Roche, who had led Hillsdale since 1971, turned it into a fund-raising powerhouse, raising $325-million during his tenure.
Mr. Arnn will have his hands full: Applications are down, and in March a student who was expelled in 1991 filed an $18-million defamation suit against Hillsdale.
http://chronicle.com Section: Money & Management Page: A49