“How would you like to be a founding father?” That question from Ralph Gauvey, president at the time, compelled 24-year-old John Stout to take a leap of faith with a fledgling Providence institution named Roger Williams College in 1967. “You could write your own ticket,” Stout says 42 years later, these days the dean of Continuing Studies. In the moments between, he helped guide the institution through its move to Bristol, spearheaded the creation of the social sciences division, built the successful Open Division, survived six presidential leadership changes and held five different deanships. He’s had a little fun along the way, too.
THE MOVE TO THE ’BURBS: Major challenges during his tenure? The 1969 move to Bristol was the first. “I remember in April or May thinking, ‘Next year, we open our doors and we don’t have any idea what our product is going to look like! Let’s make some decisions.’” The first day of classes that September proved memorable. “First, the dean of students keeled over and died. At the same time, we were panicked over being 100 students short of our enrollment goal.” Things improved, to say the least.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE STUDENTS: “My family always says to me, ‘You know everybody in Rhode Island!’ That’s because they’ve all been my students… I’ve enjoyed the student interaction as much as anything else – it keeps me grounded.”
THE BIG EASY: A trip to New Orleans instilled in Stout a passion for that unique American city and its vibrant culture – particularly its music. More than 30 visits since to soak up the sounds of blues, R&B, zydeco and jazz have sparked friendships and encounters with both legends and up-and-comers – names like Eddie Bo, Dr. John, Trombone Shorty, Tab Benoit and Fats Domino. “It’s the kind of place where there are no secrets,” Stout says. He’s visited numerous times since Hurricane Katrina. “Some of the neighborhoods are in shambles and always will be. It’s going to take a long time, but they’re going to make it. There’s a tremendous spirit in New Orleans.”
ON HIS EXTENDED TENURE AT RWU: “People often ask: ‘How can you stay at the same place for so many years?’ It never felt like it was the same place. There’s always been a sense of innovation. It’s been rocky, sometimes, but it’s been fun.”