Montserrat President Steve Immerman announces retirement at end of 2017-2018 academic year

 

BEVERLY – Montserrat College of Art President Steve Immerman has announced his retirement at the end of the 2017-2018 academic year. Immerman will have completed nearly nine years at the four-year visual arts and design college when he takes his leave in June 2018. He has served as the ninth president of the college, beginning his term in the fall of 2009.

Montserrat Board of Trustees Chair Henrietta Gates said, “President Immerman has done a stellar job leading Montserrat over the past eight years and we will miss his humor, wisdom, and deeply committed and caring nature on campus. During his time here, he has overseen enrollment growth, enhanced the curriculum to include new majors and minors, expanded the internship and study abroad programs, formed valuable community partnerships, and overseen campus growth while upgrading facilities, and completely revising the IT environment. He also launched a new strategic plan to put Montserrat at the intersection of art, design, technology, and entrepreneurship.”

“President Immerman’s work ensuring the stability of the college and its role in arts and culture on the North Shore will make the Montserrat presidency a very desirable position for leaders in higher education. We look forward with enthusiasm to discovering a candidate who will be a great fit for this rich arts community,” she said. “The new president will lead Montserrat into its 50^th year in 2020; an event that the entire Montserrat community will commemorate.”

President Immerman said, “I am proud of the work we have done together at Montserrat and that this extraordinary college is in a strong position to continue to grow and educate future generations of artists and designers.” He said. “I came to Montserrat because of the high regard in which people hold each other, and because of the rich history and culture this community embraces and fosters. I will always feel a part of that. I am proud to have been able to ensure Montserrat’s longevity as an independent institution.”

In seeking a replacement for Immerman, a search committee has been established which will be co-chaired by Henrietta Gates, and immediate Past Chair, John D. Colucci. The Committee will be composed of trustees, faculty, students, staff and alumni representing a multitude of skills and who serve a variety of roles throughout the community.  The committee will be assisted by Witt/Kiefer, a nationally recognized search firm with a successful history of presidential appointments.