Susan D. Stuebner was named the ninth president of Colby-Sawyer College in New London following the resignation of Thomas C. Galligan Jr after 10 years at the helm. Stuebner is currently the executive VP and COO at Allegheny College in Pennsylvania and will take over at Colby-Sawyer July 1.
“Interest in Colby-Sawyer was extraordinarily strong; Sue was selected from a pool of more than 100 highly qualified applicants with diverse backgrounds,” says board chair-elect Peter Volanakis. “She rose to the top as a decisive change agent who has a deep understanding of the challenges facing institutions like Colby-Sawyer. Sue also stood out for her strategic, financial and planning acumen; and her experience and willingness to drive greater philanthropic support. Very importantly, we found her to be authentic and with a sensitivity to the inclusive, collaborative and collegial culture which defines Colby-Sawyer.”
At Allegheny, Stuebner oversees the vice presidents for development and alumni relations, enrollment, and college relations; the chief financial officer and treasurer; the dean of students; the directors of human resources and athletics; and the Title IX coordinator.
“During her tenure at Allegheny, Sue has made a most powerful difference for the future of our college and earned respect from across the community,” said Allegheny College President James H. Mullen, Jr. “While we will miss her a great deal, she is eminently prepared to serve as a president and Colby-Sawyer is very fortunate to have her leadership."
Stuebner cited her dedication to the liberal arts model of education, Colby-Sawyer’s distinctive mission of pairing the liberal arts with professional preparation, and the college’s location in the beautiful small community of New London as the basis for her interest in the presidency.
“I am honored and humbled to be selected as Colby-Sawyer’s ninth president. Throughout the interview process, it was clear what a special community the institution is. As the college has evolved over the past 179 years, one thing that has remained constant is its commitment to students and ability to create meaningful relationships,” said Stuebner. “President Galligan has built a tremendous foundation and left an enduring legacy. I look forward to building on the momentum he has created and to partnering with the trustees, senior leadership team, faculty, staff, students, alumni and the Town of New London in writing the next chapter of Colby-Sawyer’s rich history.”
Prior to Allegheny, Stuebner rose through the ranks at Lycoming College in Pennsylvania, to VP for administration and planning. She has also held posts at Dartmouth College in Hanover and Harvard University.
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