Note: This message from President Murray was originally published on http://www.marist.edu/.

I am writing to let the college community know that I've decided to step down as President of Marist College when my current contract expires on June 30, 2016. For the past 36 years, it has been my honor and privilege to serve as President, and during that time we have been able to accomplish extraordinary things. The College today is a strong institution with exciting plans for the future, and for that reason, it seems like a logical time for new leadership.   

There will be plenty of time to reflect on what we've accomplished together over the years, but for now I'd like to extend my sincere gratitude to all the members of the college community who have made Marist the unique American institution it is today. As a college president, I couldn't have asked for a more dedicated faculty, harder-working staff, more talented students, or more engaged alumni. I'd particularly like to acknowledge those long-serving faculty and staff members who have played a crucial role in Marist's transformation over the past three decades. I do want to thank the Board of Trustees for their outstanding leadership; they give unselfishly of their time and resources because they believe in the work we do here. Let me also recognize the Marist Brothers, who laid the foundation upon which we have built. Finally, I'd like to thank the people of the Hudson River Valley for their support over the years. I can't think of a better community in which to build a great college.   

I do want to emphasize that I'll continue to serve as President for the next 18 months, and we'll be working just as hard and at our usual fast pace. There's still much to be accomplished, and I look forward to advancing the College during this period of transition. These are challenging times for higher education, and we must continue our work to position Marist for success.   

At the conclusion of my term as President, the Board has asked me to stay on in the post-presidency role of President Emeritus and Professor of Public Policy, and I've enthusiastically agreed to do so. I've spent most of my adult life here, and I can think of no better way to finish my career than to support the institution that's been at the center of my professional life. In my role as President Emeritus, I'll continue to advance the interests of the College by leveraging the relationships I've developed to create additional recognition and support for Marist. Marilyn and I plan to continue living in Dutchess County and serving both Marist and the surrounding community. 

In the coming weeks, Board Chair Ellen Hancock will be communicating with the Marist community regarding the timetable and organization of the search for my successor. In the meantime, I appreciate your support as we work through this transition and ensure continued progress for the College.