ELCA News Blog
December 8, 2006
Paul Formo, president of ELCA's Bethany College, resigns
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
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog