Announcement Event
Nov. 14, 2008
Hundreds welcome
Dr. Wendy B. Libby as
Stetson University president-elect
DeLand Dr. Wendy B. Libby was introduced as the ninth president of Stetson University on Thursday at a program attended by more than 700 students, faculty and staff members and Web-cast live to the university's three other campuses.
The Board of Trustees' election of Libby was kept a secret until the noon announcement in Stetson's historic Elizabeth Hall Chapel. The packed auditorium reacted with thunderous applause as Libby walked onto the stage with current President Doug Lee, Board Chair Nestor de Armas and University Chaplain Michael Fronk.
Stetson has not had a change of presidency in 21 years, and Libby who is currently president of Stephens College in Columbia, Mo. will be the first woman to serve at its helm. She will become president of Stetson on July 1, 2009. Upon his retirement next May 31, Lee will become chancellor of the university, a position equivalent to president emeritus.
Leading up to his introduction of Libby, de Armas said she was chosen for her strong experience in higher education and expertise in strategic positioning and leadership. "But the reason she really captured our imagination is because this person has an incredibly huge heart," he said. "This person cares about people. This person has passion."
In her remarks, Libby said she was proud to be joining an institution committed to academic excellence, inclusively, engagement with the community, and service.
"I look forward to many, many years of our working together to benefit Stetson and for all of those who are a part of her, we'll work together," Libby said. "It's so important nowadays to stand for something, and the faith traditions and heritage and values of Stetson enable her to find a rudder in this complicated and interconnected world.
"I expect that we will have many celebrations together and many challenges together, as well," she said. "But I know the rich fabric of Stetson will wrap us tightlyand bind us together as we move ahead.We will have many opportunities, excitements and successes in our stories about our future."
To watch a video of the presidential announcement program, or for more information on Libby, Stetson and the presidential selection process, visit www.stetson.edu.
Celebrating its 125th Anniversary this year, Stetson University in Central Florida is an independent, private university in the liberal arts tradition. The university's College of Arts & Sciences, School of Business Administration and School of Music are housed on the historic main campus in DeLand, located between Orlando and Daytona Beach. The university also includes the Stetson University Center at Celebration, near Orlando, and two Stetson University College of Law campuses in Tampa Bay. For more information, visit www.stetson.edu or call (386) 822-8920.