Ithaca College

Ten days ago I met with President Williams in Philadelphia and learned that she will be retiring as the President of Ithaca College at the end of the 2007-8 academic year. Although saddened to think of Ithaca without her at the helm, I am thankful for her leadership and appreciate all that she has given Ithaca College and our community.

President Williams is one of the most successful college presidents in the United States and her many accomplishments have been nothing short of tremendous. She has led the largest capital campaign in the College’s history; has stabilized enrollment to reflect economic, geographic and racial diversity; actively supported a nationally recognized faculty; served as the catalyst for the creation of the LeaderShip program and other quality of worklife initiatives benefiting all employees; and has championed a master plan which will change the face of the campus. Under Peggy's collaborative leadership the College has prospered and grown in many ways and is well positioned for the future.

As the academic year approaches, the Board of Trustees will begin the process of searching for Ithaca College’s eighth president. This process will include the opportunity for the campus community to provide their input on the vision, competencies and qualities desired in our next president. I will appoint a search committee within our spirit of shared governance, and with participation solicited from all campus constituents. It is my hope to name a successor to President Williams during the spring 2008 semester. I will share further details on this important process as they develop.

We all know that change is difficult but I also know that with the many wonderful people at the College we will successfully embrace the future together. From the conversations I have had with Peggy and based on what we know of her boundless energy and commitment to Ithaca College, I have every confidence that the final year of her presidency will be exciting and productive for all.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I extend my deepest appreciation to President Williams for her leadership and commitment to Ithaca College and to all members of the community for all that you do to make our College a very special place to live, work, and learn.