Read the full story by Sean Plottner, originally published in the January/February 2013 issue of Dartmouth Alumni Magazine. Plottner is editor of the magazine.

Philip J. Hanlon ’77 talked with “Dartmouth Alumni Magazine” about becoming Dartmouth’s 18th president.

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Philip J. Hanlon ’77 will take office July 1, 2013, as Dartmouth’s 18th president. (Photo by Eli Burakian ’00)

President-Elect HanlonSpeaks at Dartmouthon January 11, 2013

A celebration to welcome President-Elect Philip J. Hanlon ’77 will take place January 11, 2013, at Dartmouth. President-Elect Hanlon will make remarks at the event, which is open to the public, at 3 p.m. in the Hopkins Center’s Spaulding Auditorium. Afterward, there will be a reception from 3:45-5 p.m. in Alumni Hall, where community members can meet Hanlon.

Remote viewing will be available in Cook Auditorium in the Murdough Center at the Tuck School of Business; Filene Auditorium in Moore Hall, and 105 Dartmouth Hall.

Hanlon was named Dartmouth’s 18th president on November 29, 2012, following a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees. He will take office July 1, 2013.

I have landed my dream job. I am completely thrilled and can’t wait to get back there and be part of that community again.

Do you know how your name was introduced into the applicant pool?

I knew there was an opening but didn’t think about it as an option until I was contacted by the search firm. I don’t know how my name got put in the hopper.

Were you a candidate when President Jim Wright stepped down?

No, I wasn’t. I was not in a provost position at that point.

What do you feel an alumnus brings to the job that a non-alumnus can’t?

First of all, an understanding of the institution. Dartmouth has a very special character. The setting, history, and traditions are all very important to the character of the place. An alum brings an understanding of the special bond between alumni and the role that alumni play in giving back to the College, which are both very strong. I also think that an alum brings an understanding of the power of a Dartmouth education and the way it can form your life.