Wheaton College melds rigorous study, real-world experience

DRONE HOME: Phuntsho Norbu, right, a senior majoring in computer science and math-economics, and Christian Joachim, a senior majoring in computer science, build a racing drone in Wheaton College’s award-winning Maker’s Space. 
 / PBN PHOTO/MIKE SALERNO
DRONE HOME: Phuntsho Norbu, right, a senior majoring in computer science and math-economics, and Christian Joachim, a senior majoring in computer science, build a racing drone in Wheaton College’s award-winning Maker’s Space. 
 / PBN PHOTO/MIKE SALERNO

Innovative Companies | Education


Things that set Wheaton College in Norton apart from its competitors in the private, liberal arts, higher education marketplace are its global diversity, social-entrepreneurship focus and an abundantly engaged president.

Diversity comes in the form of a 1,750-student institution with 40 states and more than 70 countries represented – all living at Wheaton.

“That brings all kinds of experiences” living and working together, said President Dennis Hanno. “It brings backgrounds and cultures to campus; it brings something to everyone here. That international focus is always here.”

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Named a Top 50 liberal arts college by The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education, Wheaton is also one of The Princeton Review’s Top 200 Colleges That Pay You Back.

Its educational model combines rigorous curriculum with real-world experience focused not only on job skills but also on skills to solve social, cultural and environmental issues, and make an impact on the world at large. And the world at large is one Wheaton students are out in – with a strong Study Abroad program and other initiatives.

Hanno is founder of IDEA4Africa, which strengthens economic development by working with African youths who are addressing community needs and building local businesses. A Wheaton accounting professor in addition to his presidential duties, he leads trips with students to Rwanda, Ghana and Burundi.

The Wheaton Innovates Now program includes a Social Entrepreneurship Launchpad, intensive boot camp, and internships at startup incubator MassChallenge in Boston. A pitch contest and partnership with Social Enterprise Greenhouse in Providence help Wheaton’s students become influencers.

Closer to home, the school plans a new residence hall next year, and is renovating another building.

Even with enrollment growth and success in other areas, students are Hanno’s first priority.

“I try to take a walk around campus a couple of times a day. It allows me to really hear firsthand what’s on people’s minds.”

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