University President Carol Cartwright reaffirmed her plans Friday to follow through with a retirement date of June 30, 2011.
Cartwright will not renew a two-year contract signed in January 2009, ending her tenure as 11th president — as well as the first female president — in the University’s 100-year history.
Bob Sebo, chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, made the announcement during Friday’s meeting.
Cartwright said this decision should come as no surprise. Upon signing the deal, the board and Cartwright consented she will not be the president entering the 2011-12 academic school year.
Speculation arose on campus that the board could have extended Cartwright’s contract, but any thoughts of Cartwright going beyond 2011 were squashed.
“That was our agreement all along,” Cartwright said following the announcement.
Board member Debra Ryan said she would not comment on the possibility of extending Cartwright’s contract. Ryan did say Cartwright provided great leadership and enthusiasm to the University.
Cartwright said her resignation is noncontroversial.
“It’s not an issue because I’ve indicated I would like to retire again,” she said.
Cartwright came out of retirement after serving as Kent State University’s president from 1991-2006.
She served as interim president for six months beginning in July 2008 when longtime President Sidney Ribeau left for the vacant presidency position at Howard University. The board lifted the temporary title after an official statement declared her presidency on Jan. 6, 2009.
Cartwright is not expected to take another position at a different higher education center.
“She will return to well-earned retirement,” Sebo said.
Cartwright’s main accomplishments at the University include balancing the school’s budgets for the state’s biennium along with pushing forward the campus’ new strategic plan, which will improve educational opportunities for students (http://www. bgsu.edu/strategicplanning/).
“There is nothing that will slow us down or change direction because of the announcement,” she said. “The baton will be handed over in a very efficient and effective way.” The search for a new president will begin this fall. Sebo said the board hopes to name a new president by next spring. Input from students, faculty, staff, administration and the community is welcome.
Cartwright said she will help the new elect get adjusted during the transition phase.
But just because her time as the No. 1 administrator is winding down, it doesn’t mean Cartwright won’t care about the University’s future. Cartwright said she remains committed to leading the University into a positive direction during her remaining 16 months.
“It’s been a wonderful experience, both the work at BGSU and the opportunity to live in the Bowling Green community,” she said. “It has been a pleasure and a privilege.”
