Warren Wilson College president to retire
Dr. Lynn Morton will remain in position through academic year
The Valley Echo
March 31, 2022
Dr. Lynn Morton, who has been the president of Warren Wilson College since 2017, announced she would retire at the end of the 2021-22 academic year. Photo courtesy of WWC
Warren Wilson College will begin searching for a new president soon, following a March 30 announcement that Dr. Lynn Morton would retire at the end of the academic year.
Morton, who has led the Swannanoa college since 2017, expressed appreciation for the relationships she built and her deep respect for the exceptional faculty, staff and students at the college, according to a press release from Warren Wilson.
“My time at Warren Wilson College has brought me great joy and professional growth,” she said. “I’m grateful for the many productive working relationships and personal friendships that I have formed, all of which I am sure will endure into the future, as well as for this exceptional community and its positive impact on my life.”
Morton’s decision was based on several factors, including the loss of her husband of 42 years, Ric Morton, last June. She cited the need to support their grown children and extended family, coupled with the challenges of the pandemic, for leading her to understand that it was time for the college to select a new president.
“I cannot overstate what a special place Warren Wilson College is,” Morton said. “This is one of nine federally recognized Work Colleges in the U.S. that place a high value on work and career outcomes, community engagement, excellent academics and community. Any leader would be lucky to serve here. I am deeply grateful for the experience.”
Lach Zemp, Chair of the Board of Trustees, expressed his appreciation for Morton.
“During her five years of strategic and focused leadership, Warren Wilson College has not only weathered a host of challenges facing colleges and universities across the country, but has experienced growth in enrollment and strengthening of its core values,” Zemp said. “Because of her hard work and achievements, Warren Wilson’s place on the landscape of higher education offers students not only an excellent education, but a place for them to instill the values of hard work and community that are much needed in the current environment. We will sorely miss her.”
Zemp also announced that the Board will begin a search for a new permanent president in the near future, and plans to have the new president on campus by or before the fall semester of 2023.
The board has appointed former board chair, alumnus and current Black Mountain Town Council Member Bill Christy as interim president to serve until the permanent appointment of a new president.