YSU President Anderson to Retire July 1
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Youngstown State University President Cynthia E. Anderson will retire effective July 1, 2013, the university announced this morning.
“It has been a distinct honor and privilege – and a dream come true – to serve my beloved alma mater as president over the past two and a half years,” Anderson said in a memo to campus this morning.
“Together, we have accomplished much during very challenging times. I am certain that the university will continue to flourish in the years ahead.”
Sudershan Garg, chair of the YSU Board of Trustees, expressed his gratitude for Anderson’s service. He said Anderson informed the board of her decision to retire during an executive session meeting last Wednesday.
“Dr. Anderson has been an incredible leader and tireless advocate for our students,” Garg said. “Over the course of nearly four decades, her commitment to the university, its students, employees and the community, are unquestioned. Her leadership has made a positive difference, and her enthusiasm will be missed.”
Garg said the board of trustees will begin the search process for Anderson’s successor.
In a statement released this morning by the YSU News Service, Garg said:
"While saddened by her decision, the Board of Trustees respects Dr. Anderson and understands her position. The board is pleased with the accomplishments made during Dr. Anderson’s tenure as president. The board is appreciative of Dr. Anderson’s leadership in many areas, especially in maintaining a balanced budget through extraordinarily challenging financial circumstances, negotiating concessionary labor agreements necessary to address the financial challenges, formulating a comprehensive strategic plan and restoring a culture of collegiality and respect with the board of trustees and across campus.
"The board looks forward to working with Dr. Anderson over the next six months and celebrating her many achievements. We wish for her all the best in her retirement and future endeavors."
According to the YSU News Service, Anderson is on vacation and unavailable for follow-up interviews.
Anderson became YSU’s seventh president in July 2010. She is the first woman, the first Youngstown native, and the first YSU graduate to serve as president in YSU’s 104-year history. Prior to becoming president, Anderson served in a succession of faculty and administrative positions at YSU, including 15 years as vice president for Student Affairs.
Among the many accomplishments during Anderson’s tenure as president: development and implementation of the 2020 Strategic Plan, including improvements in academic achievement, business practices, enrollment management and community engagement; the introduction of three new bachelor’s degrees, three new master’s degrees and the university’s first Ph.D.; plans to significantly expand distance and online course offerings; successfully administering balanced budgets in the face of unprecedented cuts in state funding; and the opening of the Watson and Tressel Athletics Training Site, construction of a new sports complex and plans for a new Veterans Resource Center
“For nearly 40 years, Youngstown State University has been my home, and you have all been my family,” Anderson said in the memo to campus. “It is because of you that YSU has been such a success, and for that I thank all of you.”
SOURCE: YSU News Service.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.