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Carthage College President Gregory Woodward President Gregory S. Woodward announced Tuesday that he will leave Carthage College at the end of the 2016-17 academic year to assume the presidency at the University of Hartford.

“It has been my honor and privilege to serve as the president of Carthage, and I am tremendously proud of what we have accomplished together over the past five years,” Woodward said. “It will be extremely hard to leave this great college and so many good friends and colleagues.”

He said the difficult decision was based on a combination of personal circumstances and a unique professional opportunity. The new position will allow him and his wife, Penny, to move closer to their extended families on the East Coast.

Since Woodward took office in 2012, Carthage has enjoyed the highest retention and graduation rates in its history, received its largest philanthropic gifts, enrolled the highest number of students from underrepresented groups, and funded its largest-ever endowment.

He championed the creation of the internship-centered Carthage in Chicago program, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, and a new Master of Science in business design and innovation. He oversaw the execution of the $43 million Science Center and recently secured a $15 million gift to fund a distinctive career and welcome center.

The Carthage Board of Trustees will begin to search for the next president soon.

“We will truly miss Greg’s creative mind and sincere commitment to student-centered education,” said Jeff Hamar, first vice chair of the board. “His insightful leadership has left Carthage in an enviable position.”

The Board of Regents at Hartford, a private school in Connecticut with about 7,000 total students, appointed Woodward president Tuesday. He will begin his duties there July 1.

“The Carthage train is running swiftly down the track toward an even more promising future,” Woodward said, “and the next president will be as fortunate as I was to get on board.”