Northwestern State to replace Maggio, who's set to retire

NATCHITOCHES, La. (AP) — Northwestern State University soon will be looking for new leadership.

Dr. Chris Maggio, the school's current president, on Friday announced his retirement. His last day will be July 1.

Maggio became president in January 2017 and has been with the university as a member of staff, faculty and administration for 33 years.

“This is a decision that was made during prayerful deliberation with my family and was based entirely on considerations of our family’s future plans and aspirations. There has been no pressure or even the slightest nudge from anyone for me to step down from the presidency,” Maggio said in a news release.

Maggio said retiring will allow him to spend more time with family and friends. He also plans to explore new opportunities to serve others in the field of education and related areas.

The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors will immediately begin working to provide a smooth transition of leadership, according to the system's president, Dr. Jim Henderson.

“All of us who care deeply about Northwestern are indebted to Chris for his major contributions to the university, especially in such a difficult period, and we wish him well in retirement and the next phase of his life,” Henderson said.

Northwestern reached a record enrollment of 11,447 last fall under Maggio’s leadership to become the third-largest university in the nine-school University of Louisiana System. In addition, the school said its economic impact on the region has climbed to an all-time high of $428 million.

Private support for the university also has increased substantially since Maggio became the school's 19th leader. Endowments have grown from $30 million to $45 million with 25 new endowed professorships and first-generation scholarships.