There's a lot of business to be done behind a desk, but that's not where the president of Lynchburg College spends most of his time.
You're much more likely to see Kenneth Garren greeting students in the dining hall, or sharing a hug with faculty. He's a leader that likes to spend time with the people.
"I really care about them and I want to know what they're thinking, what their concerns are and what their dreams are," said Garren.
He cares enough to do things most presidents would never consider. Last week he orchestrated a "flash mob" dance at a Lynchburg College basketball game. Video posted on YouTube shows Garren moving to the beat of "Gangnam Style."
Most 73 year olds would shy away from that kind of activity, but not Garren. He does that sort of thing all the time.
He invented a dance called the "hornet hop" that he performs with his wife, Shelia, at public events. It's something they do to celebrate victories at campus sporting events.
"It lets students know I'm an approachable person," Garren said. "It makes them less concerned about coming to the office if there's something they want to tell me that's really good, or if its something they're concerned about."
There's some evidence to show his approach is having a positive effect. The Spencer Foundation recently recognized Lynchburg College as one of eight schools in the United States with a high percentage of student engagement.
"They're more likely to listen to us," said Garren. "In order for students to care what you know, they've got to know that you care."
In addition to being a mean dancer, Garren is also a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Not bad for a man who spent most of his life as a math professor before becoming a college president.
