The president of Franklin College will step down from his position in 2020.
The college announced Wednesday that Thomas J. Minar will end his role as the school’s president at the end of the upcoming school year. A news release from Franklin College did not specify why Minar was leaving, only that he had informed the board of trustees that he will end his service next summer.
“I’ve accomplished the things I came here to do, and I’m looking forward to my next challenge. I’m looking at distinct possibilities for the future and look forward to sharing my plans as they unfold,” Minar said in the release.
Minar took office at Franklin College in the summer of 2015, replacing James G. “Jay” Moseley, who retiring after being the school’s president for 13 years. Prior to coming to Franklin College, Minar had been vice president for development and alumni relations at American University in Washington, D.C.
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Since his hiring, Minar has led the college through a comprehensive planning process and pushed the college to reassess the approach it has taken to liberal arts education.
“It has been a joy and privilege to serve as president of Franklin College,” Minar said in the release. “We have much to celebrate, including successful fundraising efforts, a new strategic plan, and an improved, inclusive student experience. We have one of the strongest faculty and administrative teams in Franklin’s history, of which I am especially proud. Without their dedicated stewardship, the successes at Franklin would be unattainable.”
Emphasis has been placed on real-life learning and high-impact experiences, connecting students with business and professional communities in Indiana and around the country.
A particular focus has been on science. Under Minar’s leadership, the college has launched master’s degree programs in athletic training and physician assistant studies, and opened a graduate health studies center last year.
The school’s new science center, which included renovating the existing science building and adding a 21,000-square-feet center with labs, classrooms and offices, opened earlier this year. Franklin College also recently announced it had met its goal of raising $10 million through its Campaign for the Sciences campaign.
He also established the President’s Council on Diversity and Inclusion at the college, in addition to creating new policies and procedures addressing sexual misconduct and student safety.
He is the architect of Franklin’s recent successes, said James Due, chairman of the college’s board of trustees.
“He helped redefine the student experience at Franklin through his focus on improving campus diversity. Beyond Franklin, he has opened doors and developed deep and lasting relationships that have strengthened the college’s profile. We are deeply grateful for his service and his legacy of achievements,” Due said in the press release.
Minar was the college’s 16th president and said that he would help ensure a smooth transition to the next leader. Details of the upcoming search were not released.
