Delaware State University’s first female president is stepping down.
Wilma Mishoe announced she intends to retire in a video released by the school Wednesday night. She said she'll leave office on Dec 31, 2019. Provost Tony Allen will take over as president Jan. 1.
Mishoe was named DSU’s 11th president in June 2018, following in the footsteps of her father - the late Luna Mishoe, who held the post from 1960 to 1987.
“To be president, headquartered on the campus where I grew up, was not a possibility that I had ever thought of, but it has been both and enormous honor and a true privilege, said Mishoe in her video announcement.
“Like her father, Dr. Luna Mishoe, President Mishoe led the institution with distinction and grace, and set us on a path for growth that leaves many indelible marks on students, staff, and faculty for many years to come," said DSU Board of Trustees Chairwoman, Dr. Devona Williams, in a statement.
Mishoe did not offer any specific reason for leaving after just over one year in office in her video announcement, but noted she tied the timing to her 70th birthday Thursday.
During her tenure, Mishoe worked to get legislation passed extending INSPIRE scholarship program for Delaware students attending DSU form 2 to 4 years, oversaw efforts to secure the first dollar-for-dollar 1890 Land Grant research match from the state for agricultural research and community outreach efforts, and invested in replacing the aircraft fleet for the school's aviation program.
She also pushed lawmakers to address funding for a backlog of deferred maintenance on campus.
“I am far from done. When I retire from the Presidency of this great University on December 31, 2019, I know I will go to new adventures, confident that I have left our great, shared enterprise in good hands," said Mishoe in her video statement. "My heart will always reside on this campus, and my hands will be here whenever needed.”
Mishoe took over as DSU’s interim president in January 2018 after Harry Williams left to become the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
She also served on DSU’s Board of Trustees, joining the board in June 2015 and becoming its first female chair in July 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=NKBglgUxPps
This story has been updated
