COURTESY PHOTO
By BRIDGET TURCOTTE
SALEM — Salem State University President Patricia Maguire Meservey will retire this summer after a decade of leadership.
Meservey is the University’s 13th president and has led the institution through a period of growth in the last 10 years.
“Leading Salem State has been the greatest privilege of my career,” said Meservey in a statement. “From Salem State’s faculty, staff, students and alumni to the exceptional leaders in the city of Salem, on the North Shore and throughout the Commonwealth, I have been humbled to work with some of the most talented and committed individuals I have have ever known.
“I’m forever grateful to those who have made leading Salem State more rewarding than one could imagine, and I could not be more proud of all that we’ve accomplished together,” she said.
Former Massachusetts Congressman John Tierney, a Salem native and Salem State graduate, called Meservey a “tremendous president who added a lot to the institution and surrounding community.”
“As I said to her, selfishly, this is not good news,” Tierney said. “But personally, if this is good for her, we’re all very happy for her.”
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Tierney earned a Bachelor’s degree in political science at the school in 1973. He didn’t rule out the possibility of becoming a candidate for the position.
“I just found out this morning that she was retiring,” he said. “Salem State is a great institution and service is always something I’ve been interested in. I would have to see how things would develop on that. I would continue to support it.”
Among the accomplishments during Meservey’s reign was the school’s status change from a Salem State College to Salem State University in 2010. The change reflects the school’s transition into a large, comprehensive institution.
University status brings greater recognition to the quality of the school’s academic programs and the accomplishments of its faculty and students, said Paul Mattera, chair of Salem State University’s Board of Trustees, in a statement. It allowed the school to expand academic programming designed to address the changing needs of the community and local workforce.
Graduation rates improved. From 2007 to 2016, the graduation rate for baccalaureate students increased 15 percent, which is the largest change in the state university system.
Salem State’s six-year graduation rate for first-year students increased from 37 percent to 52 percent from 2007 to 2015.
Salem State’s campus has changed drastically over the past decade with nearly 750,000 square feet of new construction and renovations. More than $250 million has been invested in improvements, including the Frederick E. Berry Library and Learning Commons; The Sophia Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts; The Harold E. & Marilyn J. Gassett Fitness Center; athletic field updates; and two new residence halls that provide accommodations for 900 students.
“Pat brought a spirit and energy to Salem State that has enlivened campus life and helped to drive student achievement,” said Mattera. “She leaves the university with a legacy of accomplishment and with momentum for the successes that lie ahead for this great North Shore institution.”
Meservey will remain in her position until her successor is chosen. The search will be overseen by the University’s Board of Trustees and will begin immediately starting with the formation of a search committee and selection of a search firm.
Bridget Turcotte can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @BridgetTurcotte
