HWS News
7 March 2025 Trustee Rebecca Fox on Higher Education By Colin Spencer '19
Rebecca Fox, former Dean of William Smith, recently shared her thoughts on the changes higher education institutions face and provided views from her time as an administrator.
With more than 50 years of experience in higher education, Hobart and William Smith Trustee and former William Smith Dean Rebecca M. Fox L.H.D. ’95 recently reflected on issues facing higher education today and how institutions like HWS are responding during a virtual town hall hosted by President Mark D. Gearan.
During the conversation, Fox answered questions regarding the current moment in higher education, preserving the culture and heritage at HWS while responsibly evolving, and how colleges and universities should support students before they enter the professional world.
“I believe Hobart and William Smith’s mission is more relevant now than ever, and it is the mission of this place that we have to hold on to,” said Fox.
Fox addressed the major challenges facing higher education institutions today, highlighting how colleges and universities must increasingly justify their existence as tuition costs continue to rise. She noted that while this issue predates the COVID-19 pandemic, the crisis intensified scrutiny on the value of residential institutions, particularly in light of the expansion of online learning.
While emphasizing that preserving culture in higher education is rooted in the dedication and efforts of the people within an institution, Fox noted the importance of adapting and evolving to meet the changing needs of students and society.
“The founding of William Smith College was a culture shift,” she said. “The notion of creating a women’s college was a really rare and new phenomenon and it came from William Smith’s understanding that there needed to be a place for women in higher education where women could be supported to do whatever they wanted to do.”
She continued by saying, “You build on what has worked and reshape it to meet the needs of the future. I think that’s what William Smith was doing, and I think that’s our job now.”
Gearan agreed. “We need to honor that past but, more importantly, preserve the culture as we evolve,” he said. “Our roots here at HWS have been about opening access for students. If our students don’t feel a sense of belonging, they can’t thrive.”
As students prepare for life after college, Fox stressed the importance of institutions supporting them through a strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences. She emphasized the need for top-tier resources, faculty and staff to help students succeed in an ever-changing world.
In addition, she spoke of her connection to the late Trustee Chair Emeritus L. Thomas Melly ’52, L.H.D.’02 and how the recent gift he made with his wife Judith Hershey Melly L.H.D.’16—$70 million gift, the largest in HWS’ history—will transform HWS. Fox said financial support, such as Melly’s gift, helps fund institutions in unpredictable times.
“Tom was not about promoting himself,” said Fox, reflecting on their time together in the 1980s. “He was about serving the communities he was in, whether they be professional or the kind of work he did for the Board. He was about service.”
Fox took questions from attendees on various topics, including fostering respectful dialogue across political differences and promoting a diverse community.
“I think it’s absolutely critical because in this new information age we are educating citizens of the world,” said Fox. “The HWS community always embodied the importance of listening, civility, conversation and the importance of understanding divergent views. That heritage has a fresh purpose and value in today's world."
Fox served as Dean of William Smith from 1982-1995, receiving an honorary degree at the conclusion of her service to HWS. She recently retired as Dean of Continuing and International Education and UOnline at University of Miami. Prior to that, she was the Chief of Staff for UM President Donna Shalala, and was the Senior Associate Vice President for Universitydvancement and Dean of College Advancement at the University of Rochester, and the former Head of School at the Bryn Mawr School and an Assistant Dean at Bryn Mawr College, her alma mater. Joining the Board of Trustees in 2024, Fox is a member of the Enrollment and Student Experience committees.
