William D. Adams, President of Colby College, Maine, is set to retire June 30 next year after serving as head for 14 years. Adam, 65, started his tenure in 2000 as the college's 19th president.
"I am honored to have had the opportunity to lead such a remarkable place," Adams said. "Colby is an outstanding institution - among the very finest of its kind anywhere."
A press statement issued by the college said that his term featured a $376 million investment for the construction of several buildings and expansion of the college based on its green projects. On the academic front, Adam made considerable changes to programs such as environmental studies and the visual arts and founded the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement
After the retirement, he is planning to complete a book about French philosophy and art.
According to Bob Diamond, chairman of Colby's Board of Trustees, Adam was an influential leader, mentor and friend in the Colby community.
"His positive impact on our curriculum, our physical plant and Colby's broader reputation with alumni, parents and prospective students has been enormous," Diamond said in the statement.
All through his term, Adam is said to have encouraged Colby's student body, welcoming diverse and international group of students and thereby increasing the financial aid required for the college.
"Because of his efforts, Colby is well prepared for the future and we owe him our most sincere gratitude," Diamond said.
Hunt for Adam's successor will begin this winter and Michael Gordon, chief operating officer of Angelo Gordon & Co., based in New York, will spearhead the search.
