Fort Lewis College president to step down in 2010

DURANGO, Colorado – Fort Lewis College President Brad Bartel plans to leave his post when his contract expires June 30, 2010.

The college Board of Trustees said Monday that Bartel was not requesting a new contract and is leaving to pursue new opportunities in higher education.

Fort Lewis, a four-year state college in Durango, has about 3,700 students.

Bartel had applied earlier this year for the presidency of the University of Central Arkansas but later withdrew.

Bartel became president of Fort Lewis in 2004. During his tenure, the college boosted student retention and graduation rates and Native American enrollment. It also raised about $4.5 million for a renovated student union building scheduled for completion next year.