WATERVILLE, Maine — The president of Thomas College announced Wednesday morning plans to retire next year.
Laurie Lachance, who has served as president of the college in Waterville since 2012, is planning to retire by June 2025, according to a news release from Thomas College.
"It has been my greatest honor and privilege to serve as Thomas College’s president," Lachance said in the release. "With the vision and full support of the Board, and the hard work and can-do spirit of our entire college community, Thomas has experienced over a decade of bold transformation. We’ve consistently led the industry in ‘breaking the mold’ by creating strong early college programming, attacking affordability head-on by offering all bachelor's degrees in a three-year format and a master's in one year, and proudly serving as an engine of upward social and economic mobility. We have had great growth without ever abandoning our humble roots and kind culture."
During her time as president, Lachance expanded the college's academic offerings by launching new undergraduate and graduate programs, accelerated three-year undergraduate programs, fully online programs, and more, the release stated.
According to the release, Lachance also is credited with successfully raising nearly $50 million to fund the construction of multiple new facilities on campus, including the Sukeforth Family Sports Center that opened in 2022.
"Lachance has been a visionary leader for Thomas College," Chair of the Thomas College Board of Trustees Conrad Ayotte said in the release. “Under her leadership, the College has experienced tremendous growth and progress. In the face of great odds, Thomas College actually saw overall enrollment growth of 3.3 percent in the fall of 2023 and broke all records for average GPA of the incoming class as well as retention rates. We are grateful for her dedication and service to the mission of Thomas College and the students we serve."
She is the fifth president to lead the college.
The Thomas College Board of Trustees established a search committee to find a successor and plans to appoint a new president by June 2025, the release said.
To learn more about Thomas College, click here.
