Harrisonburg: EMU’s first woman president announces her retirement in 2025

Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman, the first woman president of Eastern Mennonite University, has announced she will retire at the end of the 2024-25 academic year.

Huxman will retire after nine years as EMU’s ninth president.

Huxman advanced the university’s strategic direction; created a more welcoming and inclusive community; and sharpened EMU’s mission, vision and values, according to a news release from the school. Huxman also led the university in setting a fundraising record during EMU’s Centennial year.

“Dr. Huxman has provided many years of dedicated leadership to EMU, including stability and guidance through the global pandemic,” said Manuel Nuñez, EMU Board of Trustees chair. “Her contributions will have a lasting impact on the university, and on behalf of the EMU Board of Trustees, I am forever grateful for her extraordinary service.”

Nuñez notes Huxman’s community service has led to an increased visibility and profile for EMU in Harrisonburg, across Virginia, and beyond.

The board will form a search committee for an interim president who is expected to start on July 1, 2025.