Stephens College president to retire in May 2025
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Stephens college President Dianne Lynch will retire in May 2025, according to a Thursday press release.
Lynch began working at Stephens College in 2009, the release states.
“Under President Lynch’s leadership, Stephens College has flourished, embarking on numerous transformative initiatives that have enriched academic programs and significantly enhanced campus life,” Stephens College Board Chair M. Anne Murphy said in the release. “President Lynch’s impact on Stephens College will be felt for generations to come. As we look to the future, we are committed to finding a leader who will carry forward the legacy of excellence that President Lynch has so passionately built.”
The release states that during her tenure, Stephens College established its School for Health Science, which included fully accredited a masters of physician assistant program, a bachelor of science in nursing program through a partnership with Boone Hospital and a bachelor of science in animal behavior.
Several other programs launched the Conservatory for the Performing Arts as well as programs such as communication design, business administration, and education program and children’s school, the release says.
“Stephens College has truly been my life’s work,” Lynch is quoted in the release. “It has been a privilege beyond measure to be a member of this extraordinary, mission-driven community.”
The release says Lynch has served on several boards in the community, including the Missouri Symphony Society, United Way and Boone Health, and has received the Athena Award and the Distinguished Service Award from the Columbia NAACP. She had also served as president of the American Midwest Conference.
