Leadership turnover continues to accelerate across higher education.
At least nine college presidents and chancellors have announced retirements or departures since mid-September, extending a wave of executive transitions that began before the fall semester was fully underway.
Hired
David A. Armstrong – Keiser University, flagship campus (Florida)
Keiser University has named David Armstrong president of its flagship West Palm Beach campus—just weeks following his resignation from another university.
Armstrong stepped down from Miami Gardens-based St. Thomas University after being placed on administrative leave. Officials haven’t disclosed any details about the investigation.
Keiser University credited Armstrong for St. Thomas’ record growth, including eight consecutive years of rising enrollment and a 54% increase in operating revenue.
“His record of expanding opportunity, strengthening academic programs, and connecting universities with the communities they serve makes him an outstanding choice to lead our flagship campus into its next chapter,” said Keiser University Chancellor Arthur Keiser.
Alex Kelly – Pensacola State College (Florida)
Florida Commerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly has been unanimously selected as the seventh president of Pensacola State College.
Kelly brings a background in economic development, workforce policy and state government, having previously served as deputy chief of staff in the governor’s office and chief of staff to Florida’s education commissioner.
His expertise aligns closely with the college’s workforce development mission, the college said.
Kelly’s appointment marks the ninth hire of a former state Republican politician or ally of Governor Ron DeSantis at a Florida college or university since 2023. They include Adam Hasner at Florida Atlantic University, Richard Corcoran at New College of Florida, Jeanette Nuñez at Florida International University, Manny Díaz Jr. of University of West Florida, Mel Ponder of Northwest Florida State College, Tommy Gregory at State College of Florida, Fred Hawkins at South Florida State College and John Temple at Lake-Sumter State College.
Retiring
Mark Canada – Indiana University Kokomo
Indiana University Kokomo is now searching for its next chancellor following Mark Canada’s announcement that he will retire by next July.
Canada has led the campus since 2022 after serving seven years as executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. One of his biggest accomplishments is creating an experiential learning program that centralizes internships, research, community projects, and simulations.
Andrea D. Daniel – Athens Technical College (Georgia)
Andrea Daniel has announced her retirement from Athens Technical College in December, marking the end of a 10-year career as president.
Daniel led the Georgia technical college through a period of expansive growth and workforce-focused programming. She has overseen multiple million-dollar construction projects that expanded programs in nursing, agricultural sciences, manufacturing and economic development.
In April, Athens Technical signed an articulation agreement with Brenau University to allow healthcare students to transition to bachelor’s degree programs.
James Gandre – Manhattan School of Music (New York)
President James Gandre plans to retire in June 2028, capping a 15-year run leading the Manhattan School of Music.
Gandre had served in a variety of administrative roles at the school between 1985 and 2000, before returning in 2013 as president.
During his tenure, the conservatory expanded student practice facilities, renovated its performance hall, more than doubled its endowment and launched new academic offerings, including an online bachelor’s degree program for working artists.
Mojdeh Mehdizadeh – Contra Costa Community College District (California)
Chancellor Mojdeh Mehdizadeh will retire in December after more than 39 years at the Contra Costa Community College District.
Once a college student in the district, Mehdizadeh has served in multiple leadership positions focused on student equity, strategic planning and financial stability.
She stepped into the interim chancellor role in early 2022 as the district grappled with the fallout from a former chancellor accused of financial mismanagement, Pleasanton Weekly reports. The board subsequently named her permanent chancellor in late 2023.
Michelle Schoon – Cowley College (Kansas)
After 35 years at Cowley College, President Michelle Schoon will retire on Feb. 1, 2027.
Schoon joined the college in 1991 as an adjunct instructor and eventually earned her master’s and doctorate degrees on her way to becoming vice president of academic affairs in 2019, Hays Post reports.
In her three and a half years as president, Schoon spearheaded the development of the Tyler Technical Education Center, an $8 million CTE project serving Sumner County.
Stepping Down
Melanie Dixon – College of Alameda (California)
President Melanie Dixon is stepping down from College of Alameda on Oct. 9 after more than two years in the role.
Dixon’s decision comes after unexpectedly becoming a full-time caregiver for her grandchildren, according to the college’s student newspaper.
Daniel J. Elsener – Marian University (Indiana)
After more than 25 years as president of Marian University, Daniel Elsener will transition to president emeritus following the 2027 commencement season.
Elsener played a crucial role in growing Marian from a small college of roughly 1,100 undergraduates into a doctoral university serving approximately 5,000 students.
The board has already selected Chief Operating Officer and Chancellor Kenith C. Britt as his successor.
Shannon Hair – James Sprunt Community College (North Carolina)
Less than a year on the job, Shannon Hair has resigned from James Sprunt Community College, WITN reports.
The school’s board placed Hair on administrative leave last month without explanation and quickly installed an interim president.
Zulma Toro – Central Connecticut State University
Zulma Toro resigned as president of Central Connecticut State University following complaints alleging bullying, intimidation and retaliation against employees, CT Mirror reports.
Toro, who had led the university for nearly a decade, said in a letter announcing her departure that recent weeks had been difficult for both her and the campus community.
Her resignation took effect immediately, and university system officials said an interim leadership announcement would follow.
