Paul Smith’s College President Cathy Dove does an interview with the Enterprise in her office in September 2017. (Enterprise photo — Tom Salitsky)

PAUL SMITHS — Cathy Dove, president of Paul Smith’s College, announced on Friday that she will retire on Sept. 30.

Dove first joined the college in 2014. She plans to move closer to her family after she retires.

Mark Dzwonczyk, chair of the college’s board of trustees, said the board plans to appoint an interim president in order to provide time to ensure a comprehensive, inclusive search for a permanent replacement.

In a letter to the Paul Smith’s community, Dove acknowledged the challenging timing of the announcement. The college moved to online coursework this semester due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. But she said the announcement was necessary in order to provide as much advance notice as possible.

“This recent crisis just demonstrates the strength of the college and its people,” Dove said in a statement. “I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve the college, and know that Paul Smith’s will continue to transform the lives of so many students for years to come.”

As president, Dove has overseen a wide variety of initiatives at the college, including the introduction of a master’s degree program, expanded undergraduate offerings, and the expansion of athletics including e-sports, women’s ice hockey and the rollout of a program for student-athletes with ties to U.S. Biathlon and USA Nordic.

Her tenure also includes tuition scholarship programs with North Country Community College and SUNY Adirondack, as well as a “graduation guarantee” initiative for future Paul Smith’s enrollees.

“This has been a tremendously challenging decision and one that I’ve made solely for personal reasons,” Dove said. “I’m truly honored to have had the opportunity to work alongside such wonderful people. Paul Smith’s has a bright future, and I look forward to remaining connected and helping however I can through this transition and beyond.”

“President Dove’s legacy of leadership and vision has raised campus expectations and cemented a strong foundation of excellence in the administration leadership, in the faculty and staff, the student body and among our supportive alumni,” Dzwonczyk said. “I have no doubt whatsoever that this college, consistently resilient since its inception 75 years ago, is on a sturdy foundation for the next 75 years.”