Worcester State president to step down
The president of Worcester State College has announced she will retire at the end of the upcoming academic year.
Janelle Ashley, who was named the school's first woman president in 2002, says she will step down on June 30th so she and her husband can return to their Texas roots. Prior to coming to Massachusetts, Ashley was vice president for academic affairs at Stephen Austin State University.
Board of Trustees Chairman John Brissette tells The Telegram & Gazette that Ashley's accomplishments are "breathtaking."
She oversaw the school's largest fundraising campaign, the renovation of the administration building and the building of a new dorm.
She also survived a no confidence vote from faculty last fall.
The school will change its name to Worcester State University in October.
