“Dartmouth has a unique connectivity between its alumni and the institution—it’s one of the strongest networks I’ve ever heard of,” says Bunts, who started as chief transformation officer in January. “That creates a lot of opportunities distinctive to Dartmouth.”

The newly created position calls for Bunts to take chances and test ideas that can expand the College’s reach and position in higher ed. “In some cases these will be ideas that people at Dartmouth have dreamed of doing but never had the right organization or momentum behind them,” he says. “In other cases they may be totally fresh ideas.”