Colby-Sawyer College's President Prepares to Move On
NEW LONDON, N.H., Sept. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Colby-Sawyer President Thomas C. Galligan Jr. will step down after 10 years in office when his second term ends on June 30, 2016. He made the announcement at a Sept. 1 meeting for faculty and staff.
"I've had a wonderful nine years, and I'm sure I'll have a busy and wonderful tenth," said the president, who has no set plans for after his departure. "The whole time I've been at Colby-Sawyer, one of my themes is that change is good, and inevitable. You have to live your message, and the institution, as always, will benefit from fresh ideas. It is time for the next adventure!"
President Galligan was dean and professor of law at the University of Tennessee College of Law when the Colby-Sawyer Board of Trustees voted unanimously to name him the college's eighth president in 2006. The keen intellect, analytical mind, respect for campus and community constituencies, and enthusiasm for Colby-Sawyer's liberal education program that search committee members noted then were put to the test as President Galligan led the college through the toughest economic times the country has faced since the Great Depression. He never wavered in his belief that Colby-Sawyer would not only survive, but would thrive as a college that integrates a strong liberal arts education with professional preparation.
During his tenure, President Galligan has guided the college to become a more international and culturally, racially and ethnically diverse place. He committed the college to living sustainably and this year Colby-Sawyer achieved its goal of halving its carbon emissions from 2009 levels. The number of majors nearly doubled and the college launched online education programs, revamped its curricular requirements and structure, forged affiliations with other colleges and graduate schools, strengthened its partnership with Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, and opened the School of Health Professions. He oversaw the installation of one of the state's largest arrays of solar panels and a wind turbine, building of a LEED-silver certified laboratory school, a sustainable classroom and the Sally Shaw Veitch Track and Field; renovated and expanded the Ware Student Center and multiple residence halls; and added athletic teams.
"Our maple sugaring and brewing courses, our permaculture and organic garden courses, our field studies courses, the course on designing a college store, the Student Managed Investment Fund, our evolving partnership with Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center—all of those exemplify learning by doing and enrich the Colby-Sawyer experience," said President Galligan. "They are fantastic things the next president will be able to work with and look at through the Colby-Sawyer prism, but also through his or her own prism."
A search committee chaired by trustee Pete Volanakis and composed of board members, faculty, staff and students will work with the firm AGB Search to identify candidates and manage the process of appointing the college's ninth president. The Board of Trustees hopes to announce President Galligan's successor in February.
Read an interview with President Galligan about the presidential transition at www.colby-sawyer.edu/news/transition.html.
About Colby-Sawyer College
Colby-Sawyer College is a comprehensive college that integrates the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation. The College's faculty, staff and students strive for excellence in an engaged teaching and learning community that fosters students' academic, intellectual, and personal growth. With a strong emphasis on learning outcomes, including breadth and depth of knowledge, self-growth, creative and critical thinking, and effective communication, Colby-Sawyer prepares students to thrive post-graduation and make a positive impact upon a dynamic, diverse, and interdependent world.
Founded in 1837, Colby-Sawyer is located in the scenic Lake Sunapee Region of central New Hampshire. Learn more about the College's vibrant teaching and learning community at www.colby-sawyer.edu.
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SOURCE Colby-Sawyer College
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