President of Stevenson University Dr. Kevin J. Manning has retired, effective Nov. 29, 2016, according to a statement released by James Stradtner, chair of the Board of Trustees.

Manning had planned for retirement in June of 2017.  He is retiring early due to “important but manageable health issues,” according to the statement.

“The entire Board of Trustees and Stevenson community are grateful to Dr. Manning for his 16 years of service. He transformed Stevenson from a local commuter college to a regional university, leading the effort to create a growing residential campus to meet the needs of today’s students,” said Stradtner in the released statement.

For 16 years, President Manning led the university through transformations including the creation of two new campuses and a university name change.

Claire Moore, vice president of student affairs, will act as interim president.

“We are profoundly grateful to President Kevin Manning for his visionary leadership and moving Stevenson University to a place of national recognition.  He was instrumental in helping to change the lives of thousands of graduates,” said Moore.

Moore graduated from Villa Julie College and has served the community for over 30 years in various different capacities.

“As a Villa Julie College/Stevenson University alumna, I am honored to have this opportunity to serve the University, and I ask for your support as we continue to move Stevenson University forward,” said Moore.

In a prior statement from the Board of Trustees sent out in mid-October, the Board announced its plan to interview eight finalists for the presidential position in early January.  The search is being conducted by Isaacson, Miller, a national recruiting company for civic institutions.