Stephens College President Dianne Lynch announces she is retiring in 2025
Stephens College President Dianne Lynch told faculty and staff Thursday morning and students Thursday afternoon her plan to retire in May 2025.
The private women's college board of trustees has known her plans and has begun the process of searching for a new president, Lynch said in a phone interview.
The goal is to have the next Stephens president named early next year before her departure, she said.
"Everything takes a very long time in higher education," Lynch said of the lead time.
She has been Stephens College president for 15 years, since 2009, and is the longest serving of the current public and private higher education presidents in Columbia.
"It has been the pleasure of my life," Lynch said. "It's time for me to open a next chapter."
A major achievement of Lynch's career was securing the largest gift in Stephens College's 190-year history — a $2.5 million annual donation in perpetuity, effectively doubling the College's endowment.
There were other highlights, outlined in a news release.
Under her guidance, Stephens College has seen the establishment of the School for Health Sciences, featuring a fully accredited master's of physician assistant (PA) school, a bachelor of science in nursing through a joint partnership with Boone Hospital and a pioneering Bachelor of Science in Animal Behavior.
Lynch's time at Stephens also saw the inauguration of a co-educational Conservatory for the Performing Arts, the launch of successful undergraduate programs in communication design and business administration, and a thriving education program and Children’s School. The College has evolved its historic equestrian program to focus on the equine industry and the emerging field of animal therapy.
Lynch, 68, said she has a home in Vermont and plans to write. She also may raise chickens, she said.
"I will do what I want," Lynch said, laughing.
She feels good about the condition the college is in as she prepares to step away, she said.
"I think the college is absolutely situated for success and growth," Lynch said. "I feel very good about that."
Stephens College is the second-oldest women's college in the United States, founded in 1833.
Roger McKinney is the Tribune's education reporter. You can reach him at rmckinney@columbiatribune.com or 573-815-1719. He's on X at @rmckinney9.
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Diane Lynch plans to retire from Stephens College in May 2025
