Campus News
Principal Hitchcock announces resignation
Wednesday April 16, 2008
Dr. Karen Hitchcock has announced her decision to withdraw her request for reappointment to a second term as Principal and will be stepping aside, effective April 30, 2008.
In an email to faculty, staff and students this morning, she indicated her wish “to ensure a smooth transition” and conveyed her gratitude to the Queen’s community.
“I want to take this opportunity to express my deep thanks to those Trustees, faculty, administrators, staff, students, alumni and volunteers who played such a large part in the accomplishments of the last four years. I look forward to thanking you personally in the days ahead…
“It has been an honour to serve Queen's and I wish only the best for the University we all love,” she said.
Dr. Hitchcock was appointed Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s in July, 2004.
In a subsequent communication to the Queen’s community, Chancellor Charles Baillie and Board of Trustees Chair William Young expressed their regret in accepting the resignation and praised the Principal for her “commitment and vision” during the past four years.
“She showed leadership in developing a strategic plan designed to strengthen the institution’s national and international impact and enhance the strength of our already distinctive learning environment. She also was successful in expanding the resources of the University and moved decisively to advance the University’s graduate and research programs,” they noted. “Her contributions will help ensure a vibrant future for the University.”
They also conveyed in their statement that the University expects to be in a position in the weeks ahead to announce details concerning interim leadership for Queen’s and to also outline the process for the search for a new Principal, which will begin in the near future.
“We extend our thanks to the entire university community for all you continue to do for Queen’s and your support during this time of transition. We would like to offer our sincere thanks to Dr. Hitchcock for her dedicated service to our University.”
