Youngstown State University’s president will retire July 1.
“It has been a distinct honor and privilege — and a dream come true — to serve my beloved alma mater as president over the past 2½ years,” Cynthia E. Anderson said in a memo to campus Monday morning.
“Together, we have accomplished much during very challenging times. I am certain that the university will continue to flourish in the years ahead,” she said.
Anderson, 62, became YSU’s seventh president in July 2010. According to her contract, her salary is $400,000 and she can return to the classroom as a marketing professor.
She is the first woman, the first Youngstown native and the first YSU graduate to serve as president in the university’s 104-year history. Prior to becoming president, Anderson served in several faculty and administrative positions at the school, including 15 years as vice president for student affairs.
Sudershan Garg, chair of the YSU Board of Trustees, said the search process to find Anderson’s successor will begin soon. He said she had informed the board of her decision to retire during a meeting last week.
“Dr. Anderson has been an incredible leader and tireless advocate for our students,” Garg said in expressing his gratitude for her service to YSU. “Over the course of nearly four decades, her commitment to the university, its students, employees and the community are unquestioned. Her leadership has made a positive difference, and her enthusiasm will be missed.”
Anderson was out of the office Monday and could not be reached for additional comment, the university said.
Youngstown State enrolls about 13,500 students, nearly 90 percent from Ohio. About one-third of the students major in either business-related programs or education.