Connecticut College President To Retire At End Of 2013

The president of Connecticut College announced today that he will retire at the end of 2013.

Leo Higdon Jr., 66, has been president at the campus since July 1, 2006. According to the college's website, he made the announcement at an all-campus meeting before students, staff, and faculty today.

"The time is right for me and for this college," Higdon said. "We will have completed our $200 million campaign and we will have accomplished goals that we outlined when I came to Connecticut College. It will be time for a new strategic plan and a new leader to continue to advance this great institution."

Higdon is the 10th president of the college. A 1968 graduate of Georgetown University, he served two years in the Peace Corps before earning a master's degree in business administration from the University of Chicago. He went on to work for the banking firm Salomon Brothers for 20 years.

Higdon first entered the educational field to become the dean of Darden Graduate School of Business Administration of the University of Virginia. He also served as the president of Babson College and the College of Charleston before coming to Connecticut College.

The college website credits Higdon with overseeing an $85 million campus improvement effort, increasing applications and financial aid, and strengthening the core academic program at the school.

Pamela Zilly, chair of the Connecticut College Board of Trustees, will chair a presidential search committee to seek Higdon's replacement. Higdon's retirement will become effective on Dec. 31, 2013.

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