By CHRIS AGBOLA
Assistant Editor
Prominent amongst them is the office of executive vice president of academic affairs, Dr. Bo Hannaford.
Hannaford has been with Northwestern for fix years, but has only served in his new role for about a month.
He previously served as chair for the Division of Education and then dean of professional studies.
Hannaford received his bachelors and masters degree from Northwestern and attended to Walden University for his Doctorate in Education.
The vice president is married to Tara Hannaford who is the assistant bursar at Northwestern. Together, they have two kids; a daughter, Carson who is a freshman at Northwestern and a son in second grade, Tucker.
Hanford has served in academia for twenty-three years teaching and coaching. He server as a coach for football and then school principal in Ponca City.
He enjoys all forms of sports. In his free time, Hannaford goes fishing, golfing or plays basketball with his son.
On the new position, Hannaford said, “I think its more demanding time wise with many meeting, but I have wonderful people I get to work with everyday so it makes those challenging days more fun.”
In addition, he indicated that the current role had a larger scope of service for all academic areas, and the faculty, to ensure success. Hannaford said that the big change to this school year is the reduction of the general education requirements from 54 to 45 and the overall graduation requirement from a 124 credit hours to a 120.
Nonetheless, the vice president eulogized his predecessor by calling Dr. Lohman a mentor and a friend he has known for a long time.
“Lohman taught me much about life and the career path that I have chosen”, Hannaford said.
Reflecting on what it means to be a Ranger, Hannaford said “To me, being a Ranger means being part of a family where I have established relationship and those individuals taught me about my work ethic, my preparation and my integrity which has guided me in my life. I believe Rangers are winners and I am forever grateful to be one”.
Hannaford expressed his excitement about the appointment of Brad Franz as the new director of athletics by Dr. Cunningham and cannot wait to witness the tremendous progress and success the diverse sport programs will make under his tenure.
Recommended Dr. Marc Decker on his ingenuity as being the director of the bands. Hannaford said he would be on the lookout for the awesome and amazing performances of the bands and choirs as well in his school year.
To the faculty, staff and students, Hannaford said, “It has been a great start to the school year and I look Forward to a very successful year.”