Sweet Briar College president to retire

By Christa Desrets
Lynchburg News & Advance
Published: April 28, 2008

Sweet Briar College’s ninth president, Elisabeth Showalter “Betsy” Muhlenfeld, will retire from her 13-year position in June 2009.

In a letter announcing her retirement, she wrote that the decision was not an easy one and that she would re-main an enthusiastic member of the college community.

“Every time I drive through the gates of the College, I am awed by the beauty of the woods, the dells, and the lovely Georgian buildings nestled here, all focused on the education of women who go out each year to make a difference in the world,” the letter states. “It has been a privilege to serve this special college.”

For more on Muhlenfeld’s decision, accomplishments during her tenure and reactions from the college community, see Tuesday’s The News & Advance.