Millersville University of Pennsylvania President Dr. Joseph A. Caputo has announced his intention to retire effective June 30, 2003.

In making the announcement, the president said, “There are many reasons both personal and professional that went into my decision to retire. But, what really drove the decision was my belief that the time is right for a change in leadership at the university with many important projects now coming to fruition and other initiatives soon to be launched and requiring longer term stewardship.”

“President Caputo has done an outstanding job leading Millersville University,” said Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Chancellor Dr. Judy G. Hample. “He is an exceptionally talented leader with great intellect and integrity. He will be sorely missed and difficult to replace.”

Caputo has served as president of Millersville since January 1981. His tenure predates creation of the 14-campus system of state-owned universities in 1983, at which point Millersville State College gained university status.

Under his leadership, the University consolidated four academic divisions into three schools for more effectiveness, moved successfully from a state college to a university, developed vice presidential areas in advancement and information technology, updated and increased course offerings, revamped its general education curriculum and completed its first capital campaign, raising $27.5 million, $3.5 million over goal.

With more than 98,600 students, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth. Its 14 universities offer more than 250 degree and certificate programs in more than 120 areas of study. More than 360,000 System alumni live and work in Pennsylvania.

The state-owned universities are Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester Universities of Pennsylvania. The System also operates branch campuses in Clearfield, Kittanning, Oil City and Punxsutawney and several regional centers, including the Dixon University Center in Harrisburg and the University Center for Southwest Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh. The regional centers are part of the Educational Resources Group, which is responsible for coordinating statewide programming.