BIDDEFORD, Maine — The University of New England’s president will step down at the end of June 2017 after 11 years at the helm of the state’s largest private university, according to a Tuesday news release.
Danielle Ripich is retiring June 30, and the school’s board of trustees has appointed a search committee to find her replacement, according to the university.
“We hired when many other institutions were downsizing, gave raises when salaries were stagnant and added new facilities when others couldn’t,” Ripich said. “We are now an innovative, modern and global institution. No president could hope for better people or a better outcome.”
The private institution has campuses in Biddeford, Portland and an international branch in Tangier, Morocco, which launched in 2014.
During Ripich’s tenure, combined enrollment at the campuses grew from 4,000 to more than 10,000, as the university added programs including pharmacy, dental medicine and an online college of graduate and professional studies. The increased enrollment led to infrastructure growth on the campuses.
“The University of New England has grown tremendously under the leadership of Danielle Ripich,” said David Anderson, president of the UNE trustees. “She has brought sound financial footing to the institution while at the same time propelling it forward.”
U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King issued a joint statement reacting to the retirement announcement.
“Her commitment to innovation, growth and academic excellence has not only enriched the lives of thousands of students, but it has also contributed immeasurably to our state,” they said. “We join with UNE students, faculty and staff in thanking her for all that she has done to advance higher education in Maine, and we wish her nothing but the best in her next chapter of life.”
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