Babson Students Question Kerry Healey Selection

When , she said she would be on campus and encouraged students to say hello. She closed her press conference speech saying, "My door and mind will always be open."

There are still some students in the Babson Community concerned about her leadership of the college. Several students spoke with Boston.com about the transition, and expressed concern about Healey's appointment. They feel the selection process was hasty.

Babson College's press release indicates that 170 candidates were considered, and that ultimately Healey was selected. She will be the first female president of the college, and replaces Len Schlessinger in the role.

“It will be interesting to see how things change with someone who is a woman and a public figure,” student Chelsea Haraty told Boston.com. “I’m open to change, but I think there is going to be some controversy.”

The Globe story also reports that students and trustees met for two hours to field concerns and answer questions about Kerry Healey, the hiring process, and the transition.

A recent petition started on Change.org by Babson Student Community references a transition in leadership and calls on the College's Board of Trustees to "take action in regard to the community's opinions." At the time of writing, it has 160 signatures.

See the full Boston.com piece on their site. 

Healey served as Gov. Mitt Romney's lieutenant governor during his 2003 to 2007 term, and launched a campaign for election to the Governor's seat in 2006, but was defeated by Gov. Deval Patrick.