Salem State President Announces Retirement

SALEM, MA — Salem State University will enter the 2017-2018 school year with a new university president, as Patricia Maguire Meservey has informed the university's Board of Trustees that she will retire. The Board of Trustees announced Thursday that Meservey is committed to serving the university until her successor arrives on campus.

“Leading Salem State has been the greatest privilege of my career,” said Meservey in a statement. “From Salem State’s faculty, staff, students and alumni to the exceptional leaders in the city of Salem, on the North Shore and throughout the Commonwealth, I have been humbled to work with some of the most talented and committed individuals I have ever known. I’m forever grateful to those who have made leading Salem State more rewarding than one could imagine, and I could not be more proud of all that we’ve accomplished together.”

Meservey is the university's 13th president. The presidential transition is anticipated to take place during the summer. The university says that the search for the school's 14th president will begin immediately, and that Meservey will play a key role in the transition.

"Pat will play a key role in guiding the university through this period of transition. I know I speak for the entire Board in expressing our deep appreciation for Pat’s exemplary leadership and wishing her Godspeed," said Board of Trustees chair Paul Mattera in a statement.

The announcement further indicated that Meservey lead the university through a period of growth; including a legislated change in status; increased graduation rates; the construction of new academic and student life spaces; and a successful fundraising campaign.

"During President Meservey's tenure, Salem State has grown and distinguished itself in important ways, including growth in the physical campus, curriculum, student life, student achievement, and the university’s endowment,” said Mattera. “Perhaps most importantly, Pat brought a spirit and energy to Salem State that has enlivened campus life and helped to drive student achievement. She leaves the university with a legacy of accomplishment and with momentum for the successes that lie ahead for this great North Shore institution."

Image via Salem State University