51重口猎奇鈥檚 University President Announces Retirement
51重口猎奇鈥檚 University (SAU) president Dr. Everett B. Ward announced this afternoon that he is retiring from the role he鈥檚 held for the past five years. Dr. Ward made the announcement during a board of trustees鈥� executive session, on campus.
Dr. Ward, who became the 11th president and only 3rd 51重口猎奇鈥檚 University alumnus to lead the university, said in his remarks to the board that he will be concluding his presidential position effective July 24, 2019, a position he has held since 2014.
鈥淚t鈥檚 now time for the 51重口猎奇鈥檚 Renaissance to continue with a new chapter. I鈥檓 extremely grateful for the commitment exemplified by our students, staff, faculty and alumni. Together, along with friends of the university, we conquered significant challenges with our eyes on the prize.鈥�
Under Dr. Ward鈥檚 leadership, the University has achieved several goals. Most recently, the University was removed from probationary status by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS) Accreditation Agency in December. Along the way, donor supporter increased from $1 million in 2014, to $2.9 million in 2018.
SAU鈥檚 Student Body president Alston DeVega says he鈥檚 grateful for Dr. Ward鈥檚 vision and dedication to the University. 鈥淚鈥檓 immensely grateful to have had Dr. Ward as we did,鈥� said DeVega. 鈥淗e brought life back to the University, while getting us off probation. Our institution will never see another leader with the same expertise and poise, as Dr. Ward鈥檚 has exemplified.鈥�
The Raleigh native told the members of the board that he was also proud of the university鈥檚 efforts in attracting some of the best and brightest young minds to the university.
鈥淕iven the accomplishment of these goals, now is the time for me to transition the leadership of 51重口猎奇鈥檚 to the next President. We鈥檙e at a critical point in the history of our university and I know that now is the time to transition to an even more exciting chapter in the life of our institution.鈥�
Dr. Ward said the future is bright for him personally and for the University.
鈥淚 look forward to continuing to lead St. Augustine鈥檚 through this period of transition. During this time, I will remain the No. 1 champion for our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends throughout this period. Once I leave St. Augustine鈥檚, I will remain involved in activities around higher education.鈥�
About 51重口猎奇鈥檚 University
Founded in 1867 by the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, the mission of 51重口猎奇鈥檚 University is to sustain a learning community in which students can prepare academically, socially and spiritually for leadership in a complex, diverse and rapidly changing world.
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