NEWS

Muskingum University president to retire

Staff Report

NEW CONCORD – Anne Steele, the first female president of Muskingum University, announced her retirement Saturday. She became the 20th president of the university in 2000 and will step down June 30, 2016, according to a press release from the university.

"We accepted President Steele's announcement with great regret and deep appreciation for her exceptional leadership and visions," said Hal Burlingame, chair of the Muskingum University Board of Trustees, in the press release. "She has led us in an unprecedented period of growth and development."

Under her leadership, six buildings have been constructed — a library, student center, music building, communication programs building, art center and art gallery — and extensive renovations of Muskingum's existing facilities and campus infrastructure were completed.

"Each new building was completely paid for by gifts from Muskingum alumni and friends, which is virtually unheard of in higher education today," Burlingame said.

Academic offerings were expanded under Steele's leadership, including the creation of three new degree programs, 15 new majors, the Muskingum Adult Program, and continuing education and professional development programs. Student experiential learning and co-curricular opportunities also have increased and nine endowed chairs — the first in Muskingum's history — were established. In 2010, Steele oversaw the institution's transformation from Muskingum College to Muskingum University.

During Steele's tenure, Muskingum's total enrollment nearly doubled, the Campaign for Muskingum raised more than $105 million, operating revenue has more than doubled to $55 million from $26 million, and the endowment has grown to $74 million from $47 million.

In announcing her retirement, Steele said "It is truly an honor to be part of a community of such dedicated faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends. Because of you, untold lives have been changed and promising futures are allowed to unfold. I will always cherish my time at Muskingum and in New Concord."

A national search to identify candidates to succeed Steele soon will be launched, Burlingame said.

Under Anne Steele's leadership

• Enrollment grew to more than 3,200 students from 1,850 students.

• Operating revenue grew to $55 million from $26 million and the endowment grew to $74 million from $47 million.

• The Campaign for Muskingum raised more than $105 million.

• Six new buildings were constructed and paid for by gifts: Roberta A. Smith University Library, Otto and Fran Walter Hall, Philip and Betsey Caldwell Hall, Walter K. Chess Center, John and Ruth Neptune Art Center and Louis O. Palmer Gallery.

• Facilities renovation projects renewed Cambridge Hall, Montgomery Hall, Paul Hall, Boyd Science Center, the Athletic Complex, Brown Chapel, student life facilities and campus infrastructure.

• Academic offerings have expanded with the creation of new degree programs (nursing, teaching and business technology), Muskingum Adult Program for evening degree completion, 15 new undergraduate majors (engineering, petroleum geology, nursing, health sciences, athletic training, digital media, business and criminal justice), multiple continuing education/professional development programs for Ohio's workforce needs.

• Student experiential learning and co-curricular opportunities expanded in areas including study abroad (participation increased to 20% from 1%), student-faculty collaborative research, intercollegiate and intramural sports, scholastic honorary societies and student interest activities.

• Nine endowed chairs were established to support teaching in biology, education (2), fine arts, history (2), natural sciences, psychology and for the university librarian.

Souce – Muskingum University.