Larry Dagenhart, chair of the selection committee, said Vagt's broad range of experience in social services, public finance, Presbyterian church work and the corporate world will serve Davidson well. He has demonstrated his loyalty and love of Davidson College for many years, and has the strength of character to effectively lead the community. He was ordained to the ministry by Concord Presbytery, the presbytery that founded Davidson College in 1837. Though he chose not to pastor a church, he has maintained his ordination and continually been involved in the Presbyterian churches where he lived as parish associate, with a primary responsibility for youth programs. Vagt said he was extremely honored to be selected for the position, and looks forward to formalizing ties with the community that has been his informal second home for many years.
Life offers very few absolutes.
But to me, Davidson has remained an absolute. It remains a positive force and has maintained a certain way of thinking and a certain way of living that I admire and respect. It continues to regenerate itself. And even though it changes every year, these fundamental aspects seem to stay in place. He said he hopes to build on the traditions that have sustained Davidson for its 160 year history, and capitalize on its increasing prominence as a nationally renowned liberal arts college.