It's now official, Augustana College President Steve Bahls will retire next year. He made the announcement Monday after formally notifying the board of trustees on Friday.
Board Chair John Murabito called the news "bittersweet," but thanked him for his 18 years of service so far, and for postponing his retirement by one year to help the college get through the pandemic.
"He has led Augustana through a period of growth in enrollment, in facilities, in capability, and in overall quality."
He says the college is in much better shape today than it was when Bahls became president in 2003.
Student government President Kaitlyn Watkins praised Bahls for his focus on the students.
"In every event, every meeting, every phone call, and every conversation, you have always asked me what do students think about this. And this is just one example of the way in which your leadership has had such an important impact on Augustana."
Murabito says by the middle of next month he will appoint a search committee, and expects to have the college's 9th president hired by this time next year. Bahls' retirement is set for June 30th, 2022.
