Campus News

Three Presidents Reflect on Four Decades of Leadership at Juniata College

(Posted October 9, 2025)

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HUNTINGDON, Pa. – Three presidents. Forty years. One historic conversation. On October 4, 2025, President James A. Troha joined his two predecessors, Thomas Kepple and Robert W. Neff, at a Presidential Panel in Alumni Hall at Juniata College. 

 Moderated by Jim Tuten, Charles R. and Shirley A. Knox Professor of History, the discussion explored the three leaders’ esteem for the institution, their collaboration, the community, and their challenges and triumphs. 

“The average college president serves about five and one-half years. The three of us span 40 years. The remarkable continuity that exists here is one of those things I look on fondly,” said Troha. “I stand on the backs of Tom and Bob for what they have provided for me. It’s truly a blessing and an honor to be with both of you as we share our experiences.” 

Juniata’s stability and long-term strength can be credited in no small part to these men who viewed their duty as college presidents as stewards for those who would come after. 

“The fact that the three of us are all sitting here and talking this way is a remarkable thing in itself. It says something about the institution,” said Neff. “We’re talking about lengthy presidencies. That sense of continuity over time has built the strength of the institution.” 

As the 11th, 12th, and 13th presidents to lead the College, Neff served from 1986 to 1998, Kepple from 1998 to 2013, and Troha was inaugurated in 2013. Provost Lauren Bowen served as acting president during the spring semester of 2024. 

Major projects came with each presidency, reflecting the importance of the continuing pursuit of modernization on a campus now marking its 150th year, balanced with mission-driven growth. One of the campus’s most iconic and ambitious efforts took place during Kepple’s administration, a project Neff refers to as “an incredible engineering feat,” the renovation of Founders Hall. 

The building, constructed in 1879, had settled approximately four feet and required significant structural upgrades. 

“It was even worse than we thought, but we were just in time to save it. I credit the architect, Baird Dixon,” Kepple said, describing the work to remove and replace the back portion of the building while renovating the front part. “It was one of my favorite projects. It’s become a great, well-used space, and it’s now the symbol of Juniata College.” 

Every addition and improvement on campus has been centered on the student experience and the spirit of community for which Juniata is well known. From Mountain Day to mentorship, the pride each president feels for Juniata was unmistakable. 

“The differentiator at Juniata is the relationship that our faculty has with our students. That goes back a long way. Our faculty deserves a tremendous amount of credit for carrying the torch and the authenticity that exists in those relationships,” Troha said. “Every day I am thankful for the work our faculty does in the classroom and beyond. The bond that exists between faculty and students is just different here.” 

Neff, Kepple, and Troha have each faced moments as leaders when tough decisions were required. Financial cuts, the Great Recession, and the COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges that were navigated through focused and ethical leadership guided by institutional values. 

As the conversation drew to a close, the shared respect among the three presidents was evident. The legacy of progress and deep commitment to the liberal arts remained a constant thread throughout their recollections, as was their care for the Juniata community. 

"I would say this college is the antidote for what is happening within our society. We’re bound together by affection that’s developed in our time here, and these ties last a lifetime,” said Neff, citing the cards and letters he still receives from the people he served as president. “That’s at the essence of what it means to be a human being. That’s what the best education is about, how we can express our humanity in its deepest sense.” 

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.