TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) - Stillman College’s president is expecting to step down from his position next year.
Peter Millet says he plans on stepping down once his current three-year contract expires at the end of June 2017, the Tuscaloosa News (https://bit.ly/1MEWDKc) reported. The college’s board of trustees announced Wednesday it would use the next year to search for a successor.
Millet did not specifically mention the reason of him leaving. He says he made the decision to not seek a contract extension, approaching the board of trustees about his desire.
“As I move to the next stages of my life and career I will carry with me many pleasant memories of the brilliant students and dedicated faculty and staff. The work has been both productive and meaningful,” Millet wrote in the letter. I have grown in ways that I could not have at any other institution. For that I am grateful.” Millet officially began his tenure as Stillman’s sixth president in July 2014. The former provost served as interim president following resignation of former president Ernest McNealey in fall 2013.
Millet said he planned to continue work in higher education administration, he did not confirm on Wednesday where he and his wife, Marcia Millet, a faculty member, planned to move after Stillman.
Millet argued the college was well positioned for the next president. He noted that the college had an improving financial situation, progress toward re-accreditation and other positive signs.
“Stillman is on such an upward trajectory right now; we wanted to make the announcement in enough time so that the trustees would be able to identify a candidate who would build upon the good work that is happening already,” Millet said.
Millet’s tenure has been defined by efforts to reverse the small private college’s fortunes. Millet launched new capital campaigns and efforts to boost enrollment including tuition rate reductions last fall, partnerships with community colleges, and initiatives to attract non-traditional students.
Millet, citing the financial challenges facing Stillman, also announced in December the college was eliminating all sports except for men’s and women’s basketball after this school year.
“I will continue to be with the full presidential responsibilities during the remainder of my tenure,” Millet said.
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