Anna Maria College president to retire after upcoming school year

PAXTON — Anna Maria College's president, Mary Lou Retelle, is retiring from her role after a decade.

The Paxton college announced Tuesday that the 2024-25 academic year would be Retelle's last as president.

Retelle began at Anna Maria in 2011 as executive vice president, supervising enrollment, student life and athletics. In 2015, she assumed the title of president.

“Every decision I made was guided by their educational dreams and aspirations,” Retelle said in a letter to the college community. "As I approach retirement, I reflect with great pride on all we have accomplished together, and the foundation laid to advance the work in the years ahead."

The undergrad enrollment total of the 2023-2024 school year was 902 students, which is up from 784 in fall of 2015, Retelle's first year as president. Undergraduate enrollment was 929 in the fall of 2019, the last year before the COVID-19 pandemic.

"President Retelle's leadership has been instrumental in guiding Anna Maria College through a period of significant change and accomplishment," David Trainor, Anna Maria College trustee chair, said in a press release. "Her steadfast commitment to our mission and values has ensured that Anna Maria College remains a beacon of opportunity for students from all backgrounds. We are incredibly grateful for her service and wish her all the best in her retirement."

The press release said the college would share more information later on the search for a new president.

"There is much work to accomplish in the year ahead. I am passionately committed to working together to ensure our continued growth and strength and to help ensure an excellent transition in presidential leadership."

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Anna Maria College president to retire after upcoming school year