President's Welcome

Welcome to Coe College, a nationally recognized liberal arts college providing a superior education since 1851.

David Hayes

Coe holds a special place in my heart. I’ve got a unique connection to Coe — alumnus, faculty member and senior leader — and am proud to work for my alma mater. I’ve served Coe in disparate roles, from student body president to president. I remain appreciative of Coe’s student-centered community of faculty and staff committed to providing a high-quality academic and student life experience. Coe is a special place, and I’m delighted that you are exploring and connecting with our community.

Our college is ranked as one of the top schools in the nation, attracting students from across the United States and around the world. Our small class sizes and student-to-faculty ratio offer students personalized academic support, networking and undergraduate research opportunities. In fact, students are guaranteed to participate in an internship, research project or off-campus study opportunity before graduation. Coe’s location in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City corridor exposes students to thousands of internships in a network of more than 4,000 alumni.

Coe’s campus is a quiet and beautiful oasis in a thriving city, surrounded by many avenues for students to connect, engage and grow in an environment full of opportunity. With nearly all students living on campus, Coe is a place to make lifelong friends, build your network and find your path to lead a life of accomplishment and service.

We believe Coe College is an inclusive and friendly college campus. Please feel free to visit at any time and we can talk about Coe in person. We look forward to seeing you soon.

David T. Hayes ’93
President

Biographical sketch of David T. Hayes, President

David Hayes and wife

David T. Hayes has served as president of Coe College since January 1, 2021, first on an interim basis and then as the institution’s 16th president beginning October 1, 2021. His previous role was vice president for advancement and professor of business administration and economics. The first alum to serve the college as president, Hayes graduated magna cum laude from Coe College in 1993. He earned a Juris Doctor with high distinction and an LLM in international and comparative law from the University of Iowa College of Law.

During his presidency, Coe College has launched several innovative academic programs that reflect the evolving interests of students and the demands of the modern workforce. These include Aviation Operations with a Part 141 Commercial Pilot Program, engineering physics and new concentrations within business administration. Coe also expanded its educational reach through the introduction of its first fully online Bachelor of Arts degree, offered through the Stead Department of Business Administration. Deepening its role in the Cedar Rapids and Marion communities, Coe has increased partnerships and connectivity while guiding the campus forward through a bold strategic framework, Progress with Purpose. These initiatives have contributed to significant growth in fundraising and have supported major enhancements to campus facilities, including renovations to Murray and Green Halls, Charlie's P.U.B., Clark Field and scoreboard and the Clark Racquet Center.

In addition to his leadership at Coe, Hayes remains actively engaged in both the local community and the broader higher education landscape. He serves on the boards of the Indian Creek Nature Center, United Way of East Central Iowa and Wings2Water, reflecting a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, community well-being and sustainability. Nationally, he is a board member of the Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities and serves on the Committee on Tax Policy for the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), contributing to critical conversations shaping the future of higher education policy and advocacy.

His previous role was vice president for advancement and professor of business administration and economics. As vice president for advancement, Hayes increased Coe’s average annual fundraising by nearly 40% over the last five years. He directed the Make Your Move Campaign, securing nearly $15 million of external support for the renovation and expansion of Hickok Hall as well as the athletic and recreational facilities. Under Hayes’ fundraising leadership, the development of C3: Creativity, Careers, Community has resulted in national recognition. Coe has been named several times as one of The Princeton Review’s Best Schools for Internships and earned distinction as having a Best Alumni Network.

Hayes worked as an attorney with Shuttleworth & Ingersoll PLC law firm prior to returning to Coe in 2001 as director of gift planning and adjunct professor. He later joined the faculty full time and held the Louis J. & Ella Pochobradsky chair while serving as legal advisor to the president. Hayes is a two-time recipient of the Charles J. Lynch Outstanding Teacher Award. He directed Coe’s pre-law and environmental studies programs and led courses at Coe’s Wilderness Field Station before transitioning to the role of vice president in 2014.

David and his wife, Heather, are the parents of three adult daughters: Mackenzie, Johanna and Allison Hayes. Heather is the senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids.