Franklin Pierce University has announced Andrew Card’s successor just days after he announced he would be stepping down.
The university’s sixth president will be Dr. Kim Mooney, marking the first time a women and an alumna will lead the institution.
“My love for Franklin Pierce started when I was a freshman on the Rindge campus. Over the years, my commitment to the university has only grown and I am honored to accept this opportunity to lead my alma mater,” said Dr. Mooney. “I am eager to start this new role and look forward to talking with the university community about ways to continue supporting our students and maintaining our momentum.”
Dr. Mooney currently serves as the provost and vice president for academic affairs. Dr. Mooney has also served as a trustee of of the university from 2001-2008 and as interim president from January to June 2009. She was appointed provost and vice president for academic affairs in 2009.
“Dr. Mooney not only earned her bachelor’s degree here and has led the university’s academic affairs division for the last seven years, but she has also been the architect of the university’s strategic plan and previously served as interim president and as a Franklin Pierce trustee before that,” said Michael C. J. Fallon, chairman of the school’s board of trustees.
Card announced Thursday that he would be leaving the school on Aug. 1, five months before his two year agreement runs up.
“Leading this institution has been both a good challenge and a great joy,” said Card. “I leave knowing we have met those challenges and I know the school is on a firm foundation for growth.”
Nicholas Handy can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 235 or nhandy@ledgertranscript.com. He is also on Twitter @nhandyMLT.