President Joan Leitzel

President Leitzel to Retire from UNH

Joan R. Leitzel, president of the University of New Hampshire since 1996, will retire next summer, according to John Lynch '74, chair of the University System of New Hampshire Board of Trustees.

"President Leitzel has been an outstanding leader for UNH and for public higher education in New Hampshire and the nation," Lynch says. "Over the past five years, Dr. Leitzel has successfully guided the university during an important period of transformation. In my first year as chairman, I look forward to working with President Leitzel in what promises to be a very productive year at UNH."

In her resignation letter to the trustees, President Leitzel noted that by next spring many of the goals she set will have been attained. The academic planning process will have moved into its implementation phase; the long-range budget model will be in its second year; the long-range enrollment plan will be in place; and the fund-raising campaign will be in its final phase. In addition, she observed, "capital needs have been documented and prioritized; research funding is at a high level; senior administrative positions are filled with exceptional people; and the work of students and faculty members is consistently recognized for its quality.

"I am very proud of our university, and it is a great privilege for me to be president of UNH at this time," Leitzel wrote. "I commit to you that the year ahead will be a very productive one. I will work with you and the chancellor in every way possible to plan for new leadership."

The trustees will begin a search for Leitzel's replacement this fall and expect a new president to take office next summer. "As part of the presidential search process, the trustees and chancellor will work closely with the UNH community and will ensure that the search committee itself is fully representative of the many interests in the university," Lynch says. "I fully expect that it will be a smooth transition."

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