Higdon to retire as president of Conn. College

NEW LONDON, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut College President Leo Higdon Jr. is retiring at the end of next year.

The 66-year-old Higdon, who has led the liberal arts college since 2006, made the announcement Monday. Higdon said he feels the time is right to hand over leadership after completing a $200 million fundraising campaign and meeting other goals for the private college, which has about 1,900 students.

Pamela Zilly, chairwoman of the board of trustees, said Higdon's vision has been "infectious" and he leaves the college well-positioned "for event more great things."

He is credited with strengthening fostering more faculty-student interaction, and with enhancing faculty and student diversity. He is also credited with broadening the college's international perspective, including producing more Fulbright Award winners and Peace Corps volunteers.

Zilly will lead a committee to search for his successor.