Joanne Glasser is stepping down as President of Bradley University.
Glasser sent out an email to the BU community Thursday saying she's retiring after eight years with the university. Her last day on the job is May 31st.
Glasser has come under internal campus scrutiny for more than a year, starting with a critical community email penned in the name of the University's founder, Lydia Moss Bradley.
The announcement comes after more than three years of lackluster freshman class enrollment for the private four-year institution.
Glasser took the post at Bradley University in 2007 after serving in the same role at Eastern Kentucky University. A statement from the school says she oversaw the development of new academic programs, rising national rankings, and $128 million in construction projects.
The news comes at the same time the University’s Vice President, David Glassman is interviewing at Eastern Illinois University as one of four finalists for President.
Read Glasser's full statement:
Dear Campus Community,
I am writing to let you know that after much reflection I have decided to retire from Bradley University on May 31, 2015 and I have informed Bradley’s Board of Trustees of my intention.
This difficult decision comes with many mixed feelings predicated upon my love of the institution, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the Peoria community which has been my home for the last eight years. But, I believe it is time for a leadership change to allow fresh eyes and new ideas to continue the excellent momentum of our institution.
We have progressed far in our academic excellence and in our vision of achieving national distinction as demonstrated by our advancing rankings in academic programs and for our university at large. Several new academic programs have been created to meet the needs of the 21st century and we will soon embark on diversifying our graduate program delivery to include online opportunities for a new population of students. We concluded the largest capital campaign in Bradley’s history and revitalized the campus with new construction and beautification efforts.
Bradley is a great University. Its potential is limitless and its future is ensured by the talented and innovative faculty and dedication of the staff, Board of Trustees, and our passionate alumni. You may trust that I will continue to devote my entire energies to support our strategic initiatives during my remaining time on the Hilltop and help assist a seamless transition to new leadership.
I want to thank all of my colleagues, friends, and the entire University community for their support over these eight years. I further want to thank the people of Peoria who embraced and welcomed me with open arms as a member of their wonderful community.
It has been an honor, privilege, and joy to have had the opportunity to serve as the 10th President of Bradley University.
With heartfelt gratitude and fondness,
Joanne K Glasser