ON CAMPUS
President Engelkemeyer announces plan for 2021 retirement; Nichols commences national search for its eighth president In September, Nichols President Susan West Engelkemeyer, PhD, announced her plans to retire in June 2021, capping a decade-long era of leadership marked by persistent growth at the college. During her tenure, enrollment has been increased
desire to start the next chapter of her life, which
by 20 percent, retention by 30 percent, and the
includes spending time with her family, and
graduation rate by 50 percent. The college com-
expressed confidence in the future of the college.
pleted a historic $45 million comprehensive cam-
“While the global pandemic has slowed our pace
paign, inspiring an unprecedented level of giving,
as we work to actualize our vision to become
and built a new academic building and student
‘a college of choice for business and leadership
center. Endowment has been nearly quadrupled,
education,’ I am confident that we will quickly
with the number of endowed scholarships rising
regain our footing and emerge stronger than
from 21 to 81.
ever,” she added.
“These years have been the highlight of my
“Susan is a visionary and strategic leader who
professional career in so many ways, and I am
has steadily advanced Nichols College through
truly grateful to the Nichols community for your
one of the toughest periods in higher education,”
partnership, your support, and your commitment to
said John H. Davis ’72, chair of the college’s Board
our mission, and to our incredible students who are
of Trustees. “Her dedication to this institution is
at the center of all we do,”
matched only by her genuine affection for the
Dr. Engelkemeyer said
students it serves, and Nichols will long benefit
in a memo to the campus
from the foundation she has set for our continued
community.
success.”
Engelkemeyer said her
The college is planning to celebrate the achievements
decision was based on a
of President Engelkemeyer throughout the year.
“These years have been the highlight of my professional career in so many ways, and I am truly grateful to the Nichols community for your partnership, your support, and your commitment to our mission, and to our incredible students who are at the center of all we do.” 2
Nichols College Magazine
l Fall/Winter 2020
