One may refine artistic skill within the security of a studio. This provides preparation for any commission the artist may afterward receive.

Not so with the art of presidency. William Dusenberry, in his “The Waynesburg College Story,” remarked that the Waynesburg University presidency has been, “an art that one learned to do by doing.”

Throughout the institution’s history, presidents took on the difficult task of providing leadership on social issues, issues concerning expanding the physical campus and fixing financial issues.

“These are the main things that Waynesburg University presidents have been tasked with,” said Courtney Dennis, associate director of the Paul R. Stewart Museum.

“[A president] would be undaunted in the face of any adversity,” said Dusenberry. “In short he would be totally committed to Waynesburg College.”

Total commitment requires tackling difficulties.

“Each President,” said Dennis, “[has] faced their own particular set of challenges in doing that.”

President Joshua Loughran, the institution’s first president, had difficulties in the formative years of the institution, then Waynesburg College.

“Trying to make sure that he was doing everything that he could to get it on its feet and provide a firm foundation for it to be able to build upon from there was probably a big challenge for him,” said Dennis.

According to Dusenberry, wrestling with the institution’s tough financial situation in its early years was a fundamental challenge.

“A topflight president was a man who could find ways to raise funds to avert disaster,” said Dusenberry.

Dusenberry added that the financial difficulties of running the school in its formative years overwhelmed President Loughran.

“He was so discouraged in April 1853 that he resigned,” said Dusenberry.

President Jonathan Weethee, Waynesburg University’s second president, showed leadership on the social issue of higher education for women.

Under his leadership, the institution gave its first degrees to women.

“I’m sure that was a challenge too,” said Dennis, “because trying to follow your convictions rather than follow what was conventional at the time was a challenge.”

According Dusenberry, the pressure from those who opposed Weethee’s conviction, coupled by the institutions deteriorating financial situation and his unpopularity for his religious beliefs, overwhelmed him, too, and led to his eventual resignation.

Financial needs and social stances proved to intensely challenge the efforts of Waynesburg University’s presidents, clarifying that the job of the president is not an easy task.

President A.B. Miller, the university’s third president, refused to give in to overwhelming social and financial difficulties.

“Many times, he has been called the ‘Moses of Waynesburg,’” said Dusenberry. “While Miller promoted social reforms, he was successful in solving the all-important problem of raising funds for the college.”

Dennis said that one of the challenges Miller was faced with was a drop-in enrollment.

“In the class of 1863 there was only one graduate that year and it was a woman,” said Dennis. “During that time, obviously, if you don’t have students enrolled there’s really no source of income for the school other than trying to go out and fundraise and receive donations.”

Miller faced this all-important issue with success.

“He assumed full responsibility for the financial affairs of the college,” said Dusenberry, “and fulfilled it most satisfactorily.”

Dennis said that the overarching responsibility of WU presidents have been to keep the institution thriving.

“That’s one of the things that all presidents are tasked with,” said Dennis, “Trying to make sure that all students are provided the best possible education.”