Merkle assumes presidency of New Saint Andrews College

Recently appointed president of Moscow's New Saint Andrews College Ben Merkle said he is excited to have the opportunity to step in and lead the charge for increased recruitment and fundraising at the school.

"There's a real challenge for colleges to articulate why somebody ought to actually travel to live here, to study for four years, but I feel like NSA has such a unique and interesting pedagogy and community that we're more equipped than most to make that argument," he said.

Originally from Boise, Merkle first arrived in Moscow to attend the University of Idaho in 1991. After earning a bachelor's degree in education, he remained in the area, and later earned a masters in English literature, also at the UI.

"I stayed on to work with Christ Church doing ministry and slowly worked my way into New Saint Andrews," he said.

Merkle said he began at the college as a teaching assistant in 1999 and moved up to an instructor's position in 2000.

Merkle's wife, Bekah, was a member of NSA's first graduating class - which consisted of two students.

"She was the first lady, so she continues to be the first lady of the college," Merkle said.

Merkle said since he decided to remain with NSA, he needed to earn a doctoral degree, which he obtained at Oxford while spending three years in England. While there, he earned a master's degree in Jewish studies, as well.

Following the completion of his education, Merkle said he returned to teaching.

"I've mostly taught theology, Hebrew and English literature at NSA, then worked my way into administration," he said.

Before being named interim president after the college's first and only president, Roy Atwood, stepped down in November, Merkle served as chief academic officer, dean of undergraduate studies and director of student affairs.

Merkle said his longtime connection with the college has helped him with the transition into his new role as president.

"I have a fairly strong grasp of where the college has been and a pretty good relationship with all the faculty. I feel I'm in a pretty good position for us to move forward," he said.

Merkle officially took over the presidency April 17.

"I'm very honored by the position, I think it's a very weighty position," he said.

Although Merkle said the college is working toward new initiatives, including changes in its graduate programming, the future, although challenging, has a simple goal.

"It's about continuing to grow in excellence with what we're already doing," he said.

Shanon Quinn can be reached at (208) 883-4636, or by email to squinn@dnews.com.