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HCC president to retireMay11, 2006 LINDA CONNER LAMBECK lclambeck@ctpost.com BRIDGEPORT — Housatonic Community College President Janis M. Hadley shocked staff and students Wednesday by announcing she plans to retire effective Sept. 1. Hadley, 56, called a community meeting at 10 a.m. Wednesday to say she is ready to "go down a different path." "I'm too young to retire, but that's the point. I always wanted to retire young," Hadley said. Hadley has spent 34 years in higher education and 10 years at Housatonic. Early on in her tenure, the college completed its move to downtown Bridgeport, and it subsequently underwent a major growth spurt. Hadley said she's ready for a new set of adventures. She recently completed treatments for cancer, and says she is fine. "That was a blip in the road and really not a part of the decision, but I'm doing what my heart tells me to do," she said. "I know it's a shock to many, many people." Before making her decision, Hadley talked to Marc Herzog, chancellor of the state's community college system; she informed the board of trustees on Tuesday, said Mary Ann Cox, a system spokeswoman. Board Chairwoman Louise Berry said Hadley will be hard to replace. "When I think of Janis, I think of a dedicated, hardworking administrator willing to accept challenges," Berry said. She credited Hadley with bringing many new programs to Housatonic and called her well respected by trustees. "You could always count on her to put the needs of students at her college and at every community college in the state, first," Berry said. "To me, that was refreshing." Berry said the trustees may take up the resignation at their meeting Monday under "other business," or at their June meeting. It's expected that Herzog will appoint an interim president while the search for a replacement unfolds. He could not be reached for comment Wednesday. The search committee will include trustees and will solicit input from an advisory committee at the college. It could take up to six months to find a successor. When Hadley took the job, she made $100,000 a year. The job now pays $161,348 annually. Commissioner of Higher Education Val Lewis said she was aware Hadley has had a tough year health-wise and had a feeling she might leave. "I'm sorry. I think she's done a superb job at Housatonic. She in very real respects has married passion and reason in her leadership," Lewis said. Lewis said Hadley helped Housatonic turn the corner in respect to its community connections and enrollment. Hadley arrived at Housatonic in June 1996, fulfilling a career-long goal of becoming a college president. She had risen through the ranks to vice president at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. She was Housatonic's third president and the first woman in the job. At the time, Eddie Rodriguez, chairman of the advisory council that helped select Hadley, called her everything the committee wanted. Her first semester, Housatonic was still on Barnum Avenue, preparing for its move to downtown. The college opened at its new location on Lafayette Boulevard in January 1997. During Hadley's tenure, Housatonic's enrollment increased by 65 percent, to nearly 4,500 students. The college also saw a 50 -percent increase in program offerings. Currently, Housatonic is among 36 U.S. community colleges selected to receive the national Achieving the Dream award to help shape the direction of student learning. "I am very proud of Housatonic and what has occurred here in the last 10 years. I am most appreciative to our students, faculty, staff and leadership team," Hadley said. Hadley called it fitting that she is leaving in the midst of a new transition, as the school prepares for a $45 million expansion that will double its size. The school is preparing to move into the former Sears building next door by 2008. "I think I'm leaving when the school is in good shape," she said. There have been issues with faculty over the years. Several years ago, the faculty issued a no-confidence vote against Hadley. Hadley called that ancient history. "I think on any campus you will find creative tension," she said. Originally, Hadley said she had hoped to retire at age 50. "But that was out of the question," she said. "I don't know what the future will hold but that's OK," she said. Hadley is married but has no children. She and her husband, Jonathan, have sold their house in Monroe and are living with relatives. She plans to stay in the north, but isn't sure where. Going out on top Janis M. Hadley, 56, has been president of Housatonic Community College since July 1996. During her tenure as president, HCC:
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