After more than a decade at the helm of Carroll University, Doug Hastad has announced that he will retire at the end of June 2017.
The May 9 announcement by Carroll's president came one day after the school's spring commencement ceremony, during which more than a combined 700 undergraduate and graduate students received diplomas from the university.
Hastad said in a statement that the decision did not come easily for him and his wife, Nancy, but both are eager to spend more time with their family and friends, travel and enjoy new challenges together.
'I'm honored to have had the opportunity to lead such a talented team of faculty and staff at Carroll,' Hastad said. 'We've accomplished many significant 'firsts' together over the years, and Nancy and I are grateful for the experiences we've been able to share with our Carroll family.'
History at Carroll
Hastad became the university's president in 2006. Since then, the school's academic offerings have expanded in some areas, and the school's main and satellite campuses have grown.
Hastad oversaw the school's transition from Carroll College to Carroll University in 2008 as well as more than $100 million in renovations to campus facilities — including the Center for Graduate Studies, 2140 Davidson Road, and Prairie Springs Environmental Education Center and Paul Fleckenstein Research Laboratory in Genesse Depot.
According to a news release, Hastad also led the largest comprehensive endowment campaign in the school's long history, which will have raised $50 million at its completion, with $24 million directed to the new science building that will open in fall 2016.
In his final year as Carroll's president, Hastad plans to continue pursuing some campus-wide initiatives, including the completion of the new science building at Barstow Street and College Avenue, construction of a new lab and classroom building to replace Lowry Hall and the transition to the Collegiate Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin.
Enrollment, academic growth
The university's enrollment and graduation rates have also increased during Hastad's tenure, and some of the school's academic disciplines have garnered widespread recognition.
The nursing program is ranked No. 1 in the state, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, and has, in the past two years, a 99 percent first-time pass rate for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
Carroll's doctor of physical therapy program is also one of the largest in the country.
'The entire Carroll community is grateful for Doug's leadership over the past 10 years,' said Jim DeJong, 1973 Carroll alumnus and chair of the university's board of trustees. 'His vision and tireless work ethic have positioned us for a successful future through demonstrated growth in student recruitment and retention, investments in the campus and Carroll's integration into Waukesha's vibrant business community.'
Search for new president
The release said a presidential search committee has been formed to conduct a nationwide search to identify and attract candidates to fill Hastad's position.
Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting Firm will assist with the search, according to the release.
Carroll, a private liberal arts college, was incorporated in 1846 and offers 80 areas of study, eight graduate programs and a clinical doctorate in physical therapy.