Gary R. Roberts ’70, who has served as Bradley’s 11th president since January 2016, has decided to retire at the end of May 2020. He announced his intent to the university’s trustees and senior leadership in May.
“As most of you know, I was planning to retire before I accepted this wonderful position to lead my alma mater,” Roberts said at the time. “All along it was assumed that I would have a limited tenure. Next year, I will be 72 years old, and Donna and I want to have some healthy years to enjoy life and check several items off our bucket list.
“Also, I believe that many of the changes that need to occur at Bradley will take several years to implement fully, and having a president who can provide continuity of leadership throughout that transitional period will be a big plus for the university.”
During Roberts’ tenure, the university designed and implemented a new strategic plan, launched a faculty salary initiative, began construction and will complete Phase 1 of the new Business and Engineering Convergence Center and expanded Bradley’s suite of online course offerings, among many other accomplishments.
“I love Bradley and all of the people I have worked with here,” said Roberts, noting the decision is bittersweet. “Despite the challenges that Bradley faces as higher education is disrupted and transitions its business model, I am optimistic about Bradley’s future, and I still hope to be a part of it.”
A search committee made up of trustees, faculty, staff and student representatives began work this summer with a search firm to develop the hiring process and identify potential candidates.
