Armstrong State University President Linda M. Bleicken has announced that she will retire effective June 30, 2017. Bleicken has served as the president of Armstrong since 2009 and held roles within the University System of Georgia for nearly 27 years.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as the president of such an important institution for the past seven years,” said Bleicken. “Armstrong stands apart as a vibrant, diverse community dedicated to student success and focused on our values of scholarship, leadership and stewardship. I sincerely appreciate the ongoing support of faculty, staff, students, parents and community leaders and hope Armstrong will continue to cultivate generations of future leaders for many years to come.”

Under Bleicken’s leadership, Armstrong graduated the largest class in the university’s history in May 2016, with nearly 800 students. During her tenure, she has expanded scholarship opportunities for Armstrong students, enhanced the diversity of the student body and promoted the College of Health Professions’ reputation as the largest producer of undergraduate health professionals in the University System. In addition, she helped secure funding and established community partnerships to open the Armstrong Liberty Center facility in Hinesville in January 2016, expanding higher education options for students in Liberty County. In 2012, Bleicken established the Armstrong Commitment Fund, which provides a source of funding for students who are making progress in their studies but need additional assistance beyond what financial aid can cover.

“President Bleicken has been an outstanding leader for Armstrong State University,” said University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby. “Her strong advocacy for the students has been essential to the success and advancement of Armstrong. On behalf of the Board of Regents, I thank President Bleicken for her dedication to higher education, the University System of Georgia and the many lives of the students, faculty and staff she has positively impacted.”

Prior to joining Armstrong, Bleicken served in a variety of leadership roles at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Ga. over a 19-year period. At Georgia Southern, her responsibilities included serving as provost and vice president for academic affairs, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management and associate dean of the College of Business Administration.

Bleicken earned a Ph.D. and M.S. in management from Georgia State University in Atlanta, as well as a bachelor’s degree in marketing, magna cum laude, from Georgia State University.

Information regarding the search for Bleicken’s replacement will be announced at a later date.