KBIA Local
(2008-11-14)
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COLUMBIA, MO
(KBIA) -
Stephens College announced yesterday the departure of school president Wendy Libby. KBIA's Eric Durban has more on Libby's unexpected move to Stetson University.
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Following the approval of the Stetson University board of trustees last week, Wendy Libby was announced yesterday as the first female president of the Florida university. Stephens spokesperson Amy Gipson says Libby did not seek out the new position, but was contacted independently by a search firm. A Stetson press release says Libby was chosen from a pool of 75 applicants. Gipson says school officials understand why Libby accepted her new position.
"I think the opportunity, a good opportunity from Stetson, it's a very good school, came along and she knows that she can make some great changes down there, just as she's been able to make here. And she leaves Stephens in great shape."
During her five and a half years as president of Stephens College, Libby has helped increase undergraduate enrollment by 72 percent and has built a fundraising base as part of the school's Renaissance Plan. Gipson says most of the Stephens faculty, staff and student body learned of Libby's unexpected departure on Thursday. She says Libby will be missed by all those on campus and in the community.
"I think Wendy will be remembered as very, very instrumental in turning Stephens around. When she came to Stephens, we were on the brink of closure and she really worked hard to rekindle everyone's great feelings about Stephens."
Gipson says a search committee will be set up soon and that Stephens hopes to find a new president by the spring. Libby is expected to remain at the school until June. She begins her tenure as the 9th Stetson University president on July 1.
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