Wilmington College Board of Trustees passes mantle of leadership to new chair

Daniel Buckley said, “the underlying love” J. Brent Bill has for Wilmington College makes him perfect to succeed him as chair of the institution’s Board of Trustees. The transfer of leadership commenced near the conclusion of the Board’s plenary session on July 25 during its annual summer meeting.

Buckley completed his two-year term as chair, while Bill, the vice chair during that time, assumed his new role. Bill is a member of the Religious Society of Friends and is a graduate of WC and the Earlham School of Religion. His professional career includes serving as a Quaker pastor and the author of more than two dozen books.

“This place changed my life and continues to,” said Bill, who has served on the Board since 2019. “It’s an honor, and I thank you for your trust. I will do my best to live up to it.” He cited with gratitude the “deep friendship” he shares with Buckley that developed during their time in the Board’s leadership positions.

Buckley, a retired attorney and native of Wilmington, also joined the Board in 2019. He led the trustees during a particularly dynamic and historic period at the College. Notable achievements include Corey Cockerill becoming the institution’s first female seated president, the College earning “Gold Standard” reaccreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, experiencing balanced budgets and enrollment growth in recent years, adopting a strategic plan called In Common Cause, and, last week, announcing a record-breaking $23 million gift from the late coach and faculty member Jerry Scheve, which is set to transform the institution. “Also, the College has a stated embrace of our Quaker heritage and values,” he added.

“I have tapped into what Corey Cockerill calls ‘the magic of Wilmington College,” Buckley said. “I’m leaving this position with an overwhelming sense of gratitude.”

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