BC president stepping down

The Board of Trustees of Bridgewater College accepted a request by George Cornelius to allow his contract as president to expire at the end of the current academic year. The Board of Trustees has appointed executive vice president Roy W. Ferguson, Jr. as interim president to succeed Mr. Cornelius, with the transition to be completed on May 14, 2012.

“After significant reflection I have decided not to pursue an extension of my contract as president of the college,” Cornelius stated. “I would like to conclude the efforts I’ve started on campus and then focus my efforts elsewhere.  I look forward to partnering with my friend and colleague Roy Ferguson to ensure a smooth transition.”

“We thank George and Susan, his wife, for their service to Bridgewater and wish them the best in their future endeavors,” Nathan H. Miller, Chair of the Board of Trustees, affirmed. “The College has benefited from George’s broad business experience across an array of industries during its current strategic planning efforts.  And we are pleased to have a leader of Roy Ferguson’s caliber to maintain the college’s momentum and history of providing a valuable education to our students.”

“Today the Board invites the campus community to join its leaders in the next chapter of our strong story,” Miller continued.  “Together, we are a campus that is keeping pace with change and embracing our robust future. Bridgewater College has and will continue to be a home for students, faculty, staff and alumni who believe in our values and the College’s approach of educating the whole person.”

“I am honored to be asked to serve in the vital role of interim president of Bridgewater College,” stated Ferguson.  “As begun by my predecessors, I look forward to leading the transition of a strong campus with a bright future.”

A search for the ninth president of the College will commence after discussion by the Board at its regularly scheduled meeting in April.  Under the Board’s leadership, the search will progress with input and involvement from the campus community.