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Kent State President Beverly Warren to step down next year

Dr. Warren did not give a reason for leaving.
Credit: Kent State University

Dr. Beverly Warren, who has served as Kent State University's President since 2014, announced Tuesday she will step down from her position at the end of the current academic year.

In a letter to university students and staff, Dr. Warren announced she had made the decision "with profound affection for the Kent State community and after deep reflection." The move coincides with the end of Warren's five-year contract, and she added she will not exercise her option to stay on for a sixth year.

The letter further read in part:

"Throughout my professional life, I have been driven to make a difference and to contribute to the transformative power of education to change lives. After spending my career making work my life's priority, I realize the time has come for me to shift my focus to family and personal considerations. This has not been an easy decision. I continue to be energized by the spirit of this community and the important initiatives we have advanced in recent years. I know that our leadership team will ensure that our momentum continues during this transition and beyond."

Warren did not give a reason for leaving, and also stated that "much remains for us to do together in this academic year." Affectionately known by "Bev" among the student body since taking over for Lester Lefton, KSU has been ranked among the top 100 public colleges in the U.S. under the 70-year-old's leadership and has continued to break fundraising records. The school community also rallied around Warren in 2016 after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"I will be forever grateful for this opportunity to lead such a loving and welcoming institution -- a university where all are valued and where the future of higher education is being transformed today for a brighter tomorrow. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for allowing me to share these special years together with each of you. Together, we are Golden Flashes Forever!"

It is unknown at this time when the university will begin the process of looking for its next leader.

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