by John R. Brooks, ELCA News Service*
Paul K. Formo, president of Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kan.,
submitted his resignation to the chair of college's board of
directors, the college announced in a Dec. 6 news release.
Formo, who became Bethany's president in 2001, said he is leaving
to explore new challenges and opportunities. "I look forward to
soon having some time for rest, reflection and discernment ...
and trust that from that will come a new calling. I am deeply
grateful for the opportunity and for the tremendous support I
have had from the board," Formo wrote in his letter of
resignation to the board. Bethany College is one of 28 ELCA
colleges and universities.
Formo, 59, will serve as college president through the fall
semester, which ends next week. After that he will continue to
assist college administrators and staff until an interim
president is appointed, and he plans to transition out of active
management by the end of January, the release said. Formo will
also be available to assist the interim president as needed. "We
are deeply appreciative for what Paul Formo has done for Bethany
College. Because we value his leadership, his insight and counsel
will be greatly missed," said Tad Doering, Apex, N.C., Bethany
board chair. The board's executive committee is to meet this week
to plan the search process, Doering said.
Under Formo's leadership the college celebrated its 125th
anniversary with world-class speakers and events, added seven new
majors and balanced the annual operating budget four of the last
five years, the news release said. The college endowment has
grown by 33 percent to more than $25 million, the release said.
Last fiscal year, the college raised $1.1 million in unrestricted
annual funds -- the college's highest in that category ever. In
2004, the college closed a successful capital campaign, raising
more than $8 million over three years, the release said.
* Information was provided by Michele Clark, director of
communications for advancement, Bethany College
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
