Stephens College President Wendy B. Libby accepts election as first female president of Stetson University in Florida.
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www.stephens.edu
Nov. 13, 2008
For immediate release
STEPHENS COLLEGE PRESIDENT WENDY B. LIBBY ACCEPTS ELECTION AS FIRST
FEMALE PRESIDENT OF STETSON UNIVERSITY IN FLORIDA
COLUMBIA, MO. – It is with a mixture of sadness and gratitude
that Stephens College announces the departure of Dr. Wendy B. Libby
at the end of this academic year, effective June 2, 2009. After six
years at Stephens, Dr. Libby will become the ninth president of Stetson
University, a private coeducational institution in Florida, in July
2009. She will become that institution’s first female president.
The announcement was made at Stetson at noon, EST today, with Dr. Libby
and her husband, Richard, there at the main campus. For more information,
visit www.stetson.edu. Stephens students, faculty, staff and alumnae
were notified by email as the announcement was being made in Florida.
Dr. Libby expects to return to Columbia late Friday.
“I am so thankful for the experience of having been president
of this remarkable, 175-year-old institution and for all it stands for
in women’s education today,” Libby says. “I did not
search for this new opportunity, but I knew that when faced with it,
I would be leaving Stephens in fine shape, with a strong identity and
direction, stable finances, energized spirit, a reconnected community
– ready for anything. The most gratifying moments of my presidency
have come in the widespread recognition of the strength of the Stephens
community, both within our campus and among her alumnae, and the phenomenal
degree to which those who love Stephens can and have effected change.“
Since her arrival in July 2003, Wendy has led the dramatic turnaround
at Stephens. The Renaissance Plan, the College’s five-year strategic
plan, has guided efforts, reinvigorated academic programs and set the
nation abuzz about Stephens again. The College received high marks following
its accreditation visit in November 2007.
The Stephens College Board of Trustees will soon convene a presidential
search committee to select the College’s 24th president.
“Wendy is leaving us strong and ready for the future,” says
Stephens alumna George Ann Harding, chair of the Stephens College Board
of Trustees. “We have a great faculty; thriving students; a hard-working,
capable staff; a distinguished, committed board; reconnected, caring
alumnae; and support from the community. We are now in a position to
find and attract a very good president. And we will have Wendy’s
wise counsel and leadership as we move toward the coming transition.”
Dr. Libby will continue her work at Stephens through the beginning of
June 2009.
“I have sincerely enjoyed my time in Columbia, and I am grateful
for the strong relationship that Stephens and the Columbia community
have built together. In the meantime, I am fully committed to working
hard on Stephens’ behalf over the next six months and ensuring
that this upcoming transition goes very smoothly,” she says.
President Wendy B. Libby
(high resolution
image)
Dr. Wendy B. Libby became the 23rd president of Stephens College on July 1, 2003. She is the third woman to become president of the four-year private college for women. Stephens College remains deeply rooted in the tradition of innovation upon which it was founded in 1833, continuing to educate outstanding women leaders.
Before her appointment at Stephens, Dr. Libby served
as vice president for business affairs and chief financial officer at
Furman University in Greenville, S.C., since 1995. As a member of the
senior management team at Furman and its sole female vice president,
Dr. Libby was instrumental in developing the university’s vision
for the future and directing the creation of the first campus master
plan since the late 1950s.
Prior to Furman, Dr. Libby was the chief finance and business officer
at Westbrook College, a private liberal arts college in Portland, Maine
from 1989-95. She served as special assistant to the president/senior
human resources officer at the University of Hartford in Connecticut
from 1987 to 1989. While at the University of Connecticut Health Center
in Farmington, she was the assistant hospital director of The John Dempsey
Hospital and special assistant to the associate executive director from
1985 to 1987. Dr. Libby was the administrative manager of the College
of Education and administrative associate of the Office of Finance at
The Ohio State University in Columbus from 1984 to 1985. From 1979 to
1984, she served as the director of administrative operations for the
College of Architecture, Art and Planning, and the director of administration
for the Public Management Program of the Johnson Graduate School of
Management at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y.
Dr. Libby earned her Ph.D. in Educational Administration
from the University of Connecticut in 1994, her M.B.A. from the Johnson
Graduate School of Management at Cornell University in 1977 and her
B.S. in Biology from Cornell in 1972.
Dr. Libby is a member of the Board of Directors of the Eastern Association
of College and University Business Officers, as well as a member of
the southern and national associations of that organization, and a member
of the Society for College and University Planning. She also is a board
member of the Greenville Literacy Association and chair of its fundraising
committee, and a founding board member of the Caribbean Institute of
Technology and the Tuition Plan Consortium.
She is married to Dr. Richard Libby, a former college president. They have two sons, Glenn and wife Ginger, and Gregg and wife Lori; and four grandchildren.
Stephens College Accomplishments
Under the leadership of President Wendy B. Libby, Ph.D.
During her tenure at Stephens College,
Dr. Libby…
United the campus, alumnae and community in a major institutional turnaround,
launching a strategic planning initiative in Fall 2003 (The Renaissance
Plan) to restructure the academic program, grow enrollment and gifts,
restore deteriorated facilities and secure financial stability.
Refocused and refined the mission of Stephens College. Retailored academic
programs to better meet the needs of women students. Created the School
of Performing Arts as well as the School of Design and Fashion. Completely
revised the general education curriculum to include a global focus (supported
by AAC&U) and cohort learning communities. Introduced new majors,
including Theatrical Costume Design, as well as “Plus One”
programs that offer accelerated master’s degrees to Stephens’
undergraduates. The College’s digital filmmaking major, added
in 2005, is among Stephens’ top five majors in terms of student
enrollment. Enrollment in Stephens’ equestrian program more than
quadrupled since Fall 2003.
Increased full-time undergraduate residential enrollment by 72 percent
from Fall 2003 to Fall 2008. Current residential enrollment is at 754
students.
Increased Graduate & Continuing Studies (GCS) enrollment by 150
percent from Fall 2003 to Fall 2008. Approximately 400 students are
enrolled; this fall, Stephens has 2055 GCS course enrollments.
Jumpstarted annual giving program and campaign fundraising. Smart, Strong,
Savvy…Stephens comprehensive campaign has raised $24 million
to date since its launch in June 2006.
Reinvigorated community partnerships with Columbia organizations and
individuals. Re-established transfer agreements with several community
colleges and neighboring colleges and universities, including the University
of Missouri-Columbia.
Enhanced athletic programs by moving to the National Association of
Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and, in Fall 2008, entering the American
Midwest Conference, a first for Stephens.
Introduced Stephens’ nationally recognized pet floor program in
two residence halls, where students may live with their pets (mostly
dogs and cats) on campus.
Improved campus facilities, reducing deferred maintenance needs and
enhancing general campus aesthetics. Completed renovation of Lela Raney
Wood Hall, housing administrative and student-service offices and the
Kimball Ballroom, used often by the surrounding community. Completed
the Joan Bing Kirke Rehearsal Hall and several projects at the Okoboji
Summer Theatre, owned by Stephens for 51 years now, in Spirit Lake,
Iowa. Completed the historic renovation of Wood and Columbia residence
halls, through a third-party developer; Wood opened in August 2007 and
Columbia in August 2008. Both halls were originally constructed circa
1920 and had been closed for approximately a decade before renovation.
Established a financial model in conjunction with a five-year strategic
plan to reduce annual operating deficits to attain a break-even point,
while setting aside crucial funds for faculty and staff salary increases
and much-needed capital improvements. Established the Stephens College
Endowment Foundation.
Enhanced campus morale by involving all constituent groups in strategic
planning and being committed to strong lines of communication. Reinvigorated
faculty governance structure and Staff Advisory Council.
Established a stronger brand for Stephens College, communicating key
messages among constituent groups. Recommitted institution to its mission
of educating women. Developed relationships with other organizations
committed to women, including the national Women’s College Coalition.
Historic Timeline: Stephens College Changing the World
1833
Columbia Female Baptist Academy is established. Lucy Wales is appointed
as the school’s preceptress. At that time, Columbia, Mo., is a
frontier town with nine stores, two taverns, four grogshops and one
Presbyterian meeting house. Andrew Jackson is the seventh president
of the United States, which has a population of 10 million.
1837
The Academy receives its charter and construction begins on its first
building.
1855
The first train crosses the Mississippi River at Rock Island, Ill.,
and comes through Columbia dropping off Stephens College students.
1856
Columbia Female Baptist College is established. Eight acres of land
and a brick residence are purchased to form what is today the nucleus
of the 200-acre campus.
1857
The College’s charter is secured.
1870
Columbia Female Baptist College is transferred to the Missouri Baptist
General Association, and its name is changed to Stephens College in
honor of James L. Stephens, a dry goods store owner from Columbia, Mo.,
who endowed it with $20,000.
1900
Stephens creates three academic departments: music, art and commercial
(shorthand and typing).
1905
Stephens College becomes a junior college as associate in arts degrees
are awarded for the first time.
1910
The College’s Board of Curators abandons the practice of leasing
the College to the president and assumes management directly.
1912
James Madison Wood is appointed president of Stephens College and remains
at the helm for 35 years. The College adds four academic departments:
science, dramatic science, expression and Christian service for women.
1920
Director of Research Werrett Charters, Ph.D., begins conducting studies
on women’s education to scientifically adapt the College’s
curriculum to meet the specific needs of the students. His findings
later lead to a revision in the curriculum based on seven areas, including
humanities, social problems, philosophy of living, communications, physical
health and mental health.
1933
Stephens College holds its centennial celebration. Approximately 5,000
women have graduated from the College.
1937
“First Lady of the American Theatre” Maude Adams is appointed
professor of drama at Stephens College.
1944
Under the sponsorship of 12 of the nation’s leading airlines,
Stephens College institutes the first course of study ever offered for
the training of women in commercial aviation.
1950
Construction begins on the Firestone Baars Chapel, designed by architect
Eero Saarinen. Having just designed the U.S. Embassy in London, Saarinen
soon will begin work on the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
1955
Stephens offers first-year students a lecture course titled “Ideas
and Living Today,” which is taught by master teachers via closed-circuit
television.
1960
The College creates the Searcy House Plan, a unique living/learning
community designed for freshmen, which later becomes a nationally recognized
educational model.
1968
Making the transition to a four-year college, Stephens receives full
accreditation for awarding bachelor degrees.
1970
A new plan is proposed for undergraduate work that leads to the establishment
of the University Without Walls.
1977
Historic Senior Hall, the original building in which the College was
housed and its only residence hall until 1918, is listed in the National
Register of Historic Places.
1983
Patsy H. Sampson is elected as the first woman president of Stephens
College.
Stephens College celebrates its 150th year.
1994
Dr. Marcia S. Kierscht is inaugurated as the 22nd president of Stephens
College.
1995
Stephens College embarks on the Stephens for the New Millennium Plan.
The Plan emphasizes five goals: developing competitive and marketable
academic programs that address the changing roles of women; right-sizing
campus properties and facilities; improving technology; building a diverse
community on campus; and enhancing fund raising.
Drawing on its experiences with the successful Searcy House Plan, the
College creates the Prunty Science House Plan, a living/learning community
for students interested in the study of mathematics, science and technology.
1996
Stephens hosts the only 1996 U.S. showing of “Toward a Peaceful
World Free Of Nuclear Weapons,” an educational exhibit from the
Hiroshima and Nagasaki Peace Museums.
1997
Stephens introduces its first graduate programs, offering degrees for
men and women through the School of Graduate and Continuing Education.
The online Master of Business Administration Program incorporates three
emphasis areas: management, entrepreneurial studies and clinical information
systems management. The Master of Education in Counseling Program responds
to national trends and needs at the elementary and secondary levels.
Stephens College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and
a member of the North Central Association.
Stephens College launches its first comprehensive capital campaign, The Campaign for Stephens: It’s Her Turn, to raise $35 million. Campaign priorities include improving and renovating campus facilities, funding new academic equipment and technology, and increasing endowment. The capstone project is the restoration of Lela Raney Wood Hall, built in 1938. The campaign launched June 1, 1997, and concludes May 31, 2004.
1998
Stephens breaks ground on the creation of a new basketball/volleyball
facility, the John and Mary Silverthorne Arena. The construction coincides
with the announcement that Stephens is adding basketball — to
existing programs in soccer, volleyball, swimming and tennis —
as its fifth NCAA Division III sport.
2001
The Carnegie Foundation reclassifies Stephens from Baccalaureate College-General
to Baccalaureate College-Liberal Arts, noting that the College offers
at least 50 percent of its degrees in the liberal arts.
Stephens College receives its largest gift in College
history, $5 million, from 1929 alumna Evalyn King Joachim.
2002
Reflecting the Carnegie Foundation’s 2001 reclassification, U.S.
News and World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges”
shows that Stephens joined the ranks of the best national liberal arts
colleges in the nation.
Stephens alumna Gretchen Bush Kimball and husband William donate $2.5 million to Stephens, the largest donation in College history. Called the Kimball Challenge, the gift will match dollar-for-dollar donations and gifts up to $2.5 million to renovate Lela Raney Wood Hall. With its expected completion in Spring 2004, LRW will serve as a central location for student and administrative offices and also house the College’s renowned Historical Costume Collection.
2003
Wendy B. Libby, Ph.D., becomes the 23rd president of Stephens College
on July 1.
Notable Alumnae
From Broadway to the White House, graduates are carrying the Stephens
College name across the world, pursing exciting careers and consistently
earning coveted awards. The following are just a few of the remarkable
women who form the Stephens College alumnae network.
- JEANE KIRKPATRICK, the United
States' first female ambassador to the United Nations. She passed
away in December 2006.
- PAULA ZAHN, news anchor.
She has hosted CNN's "Paula Zahn NOW," co-hosted “CBS
This Morning” and anchored for the Fox News Channel and“CBS
Evening News Saturday Edition.”
- MARY MEL FRENCH, former
chief of protocol for the United States.
- ANNIE POTTS, actress on the Lifetime
Network's “Any Day Now.” Other credits include television's
“Over the Top,” “Dangerous Minds,” “Designing
Women” and “Love and War,” and the films “Pretty
in Pink,” “Ghostbusters” and “Crimes of Passion.”
- GEORGE ANN HARDING, retired senior
vice president and general counsel for the Minute Maid Division of
Coca-Cola.
- PATRICIA BARRY, Five-time Emmy-nominated
actress of stage and screen, and founding member of Women In Film.
Her credits include the musical “Mame,” daytime television's
“Loving,” “Days of Our Lives” and “Guiding
Light,” and numerous film appearances, including “American
Gigolo” and “Sea of Love.” She has appeared in more
than 800 television programs.
- TONI VERSTANDIG, former
deputy assistant secretary of state. She is now a senior policy adviser
at the Center for Middle East Peace and Economic Cooperation.
- JENNIFER TILLY, Oscar-nominee
for the Woody Allen film “Bullets Over Broadway,” with
roles in the films “Liar, Liar,” “The Getaway,”
“The Fabulous Baker Boys” and “Bound.”
- TOMIMA EDMARK, entrepreneur, inventor
and author. After earning the coveted Golden Circle Award as an IBM
marketing representative, Edmark began the multimillion-dollar TopsyTail
Company.
- ALANNA NASH, a feature writer
for Entertainment Weekly, USA Weekend and The New York
Times. Her books include “Golden Girl: The Jessica Savitch
Story,” “Behind Closed Doors: Talking with the Legends
of Country Music” and “Elvis Aaron Presley: Revelations
from the Memphis Mafia.”
- ANNE-LOUISE WALLACE, free-lance
stage manager whose credits include “The Cosby Show,”
“The Today Show,” “Donahue,” “Saturday
Night Live” and the 1988, 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games.
- JUDITH DOYEN TAYLOR, owner of Judy Taylor Casting in Los Angeles. Casting for “Free Willy” and Disney television.
Media Coverage
Stephens
president is leaving (Columbia Daily Tribune)
November 13, 2008
Stephens
president leaving (KOMU)
November 13, 2008
Stephens
President Wendy Libby takes job in Florida (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
November 13, 2008
Dr,
Wendy Libby named Stetson University's ninth president (DeLand-Deltona
Beacon)
November 13, 2008
Stetson
names 1st woman president (Daytona Beach News Journal)
November 14, 2008
We
think: Stetson University's new president is a good fit (Orlando
Sentinel editorial page)
November 14, 2008
Students
react to departure of 'in tune' leader (Columbia Daily Tribune)
November 14, 2008
Q&A
With Wendy Libby (Columbia Missourian)
November 14, 2008
THE
TRIBUNE'S VIEW: Wendy Libby—Focusing on the future (Columbia
Daily Tribune)
November 17, 2008
