News Summary
President Alicia Cordoba has unexpectedly resigned from Aquinas College, effective immediately. Her leadership saw significant achievements, but the reason for her resignation remains unclear. The Board has appointed Sister Maureen Geary as interim president during the search for a new leader, raising questions about the college’s future direction.
Aquinas College Sees Leadership Change as President Cordoba Resigns
Grand Rapids, MI – In surprising news to the Aquinas College community, President _Alicia Cordoba_ has submitted her resignation, effective immediately as of Monday, April 7, 2025. The announcement came from _John Lowery_, Chair of the Aquinas College Board of Trustees, marking a significant shift for the institution that has been under her leadership for less than three years.
A Short but Impactful Tenure
Alicia Cordoba took office in July 2022, making history as the _ninth president_ of Aquinas College and the _first woman_ to head the institution. Her time leading the college, although brief, was filled with noteworthy achievements. From her arrival after the exit of former President _Kevin Quinn_, Cordoba focused her efforts on stabilizing enrollment and enhancing fundraising initiatives. The college is celebrated for its strong commitment to a Catholic liberal arts education based on Dominican principles, and under her watch, she aimed to ensure that this mission remained vibrant.
Reasons for Resignation Remain Unclear
Despite the significance of Cordoba’s resignation, the college has not publicly shared the reason behind her decision, citing _employee privacy rights_. This lack of clarity has raised eyebrows within the community, leaving many to speculate on the circumstances leading to her departure.
Gratitude for Leadership
Lowery expressed sincere gratitude towards Cordoba for her unwavering dedication during her presidency, particularly in efforts aimed at _fundraising_, boosting _enrollment_, and supporting the college’s mission. On her watch, Aquinas College managed to maintain a student enrollment figure of approximately _1,300 students_ as of January 2025, a critical aspect for the continuity and health of the college.
Transition Period Begins
In light of Cordoba’s exit, the Board has appointed _Sister Maureen Geary_ as the interim president while a national search for a new leader unfolds. Sister Geary brings a wealth of experience with a background in accounting and law, having previously served in various roles throughout the college including faculty, staff, and on the Board of Trustees. Her education roots run deep in the Grand Rapids area, where she was molded by the teachings of the Dominican Sisters. She holds degrees from the prestigious _University of Notre Dame_ and the _University of Michigan_.
A College at a Crossroads
The unexpected nature of this leadership change sends ripples throughout the Aquinas College community. Faculty, staff, students, and alumni alike find themselves reflecting on the journey the college has taken and wondering who will step in next to lead this storied institution into its future.
Aquinas College is deeply valued not only for its academic programs but also for its ethical and spiritual grounding. As the search for the new president commences, one can only hope that the new leader will continue to uphold the legacy of a vibrant and cohesive community, continuing to foster the Dominican ideals that have shaped the college’s identity for generations.
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Additional Resources
- WOOD TV: Aquinas College President Resigns
- Wikipedia: Aquinas College (Michigan)
- MLive: Aquinas College’s First Female President Resigns
- Google Search: Aquinas College President Resignation
- WOOD Radio: Aquinas College President Steps Down
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National University
- FOX 17 Online: Aquinas College Welcomes New President
- Google News: Aquinas College Leadership Change
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GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
