Kate McGann spoke with newly appointed Senior Vice President, Billy Weitzer, Ph.D. in a phone interview.
Kate McGann: Could you explain a little bit about what this new position will entail and what you will be overseeing when you arrive in October?
Billy Weitzer: I know that the most significant task I will have is to work with the President and the vice presidents to oversee the implementation of the strategic plan. There are many, many details related to that task and other assignments that I will have, but I think it would be best for me to wait until I arrive at Fairfield to comment on those.
KM: How did this opportunity come about, and what made you choose Fairfield University over another school?
BW: Fairfield has a great reputation so, when I read about this position, I was immediately interested. The more I learned about Fairfield, the more I felt that this was the right place and the right job for me. Of course, Fr. von Arx and others on the campus had to come to that conclusion as well. I was interviewed several times and then I was offered the job. I was excited about this opportunity to be a part of this great institution.
KM: You’ve been working in higher education for over 20 years. What is it that draws you to this type of work?
BW: There is so much that I love about higher education. It begins with the students and faculty who are the core of the enterprise. I like the fact that there are so many constituencies who care about their institutions – students, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, parents, community members. Of course that makes solving problems more difficult, but developing solutions to problems in higher education is that much more interesting.
KM: Could you tell us a little bit about what you like to do in your spare time? What are some of your hobbies?
BW: I most enjoy spending time with my family. I like to play sports (squash, tennis, golf, racquetball and Ultimate Frisbee) and watch sports. I am looking forward to rooting for Fairfield’s teams.
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