Moravian College President Announces Retirement

Christopher M. Thomforde announced he will retire from his position as president of and Moravian Theological Seminary, in July 2013, according to a news release issued by the college on Tuesday.

“Serving Moravian has been a privilege and an honor,” said Thomforde who has served as president since 2006. “As I reflect upon the activity of the past six years, I am most grateful for all that has been accomplished by so many good and committed people at both the College and the Seminary. At the same time, I am looking forward to working with faculty, staff and administrators to continue to strengthen the College this coming year.”

During his tenure, Thomforde led the College through the development of a strategic plan that focused on enrolling and supporting a student body that mirrored that of the world into which students go to lead and serve. That goal resulted in significantly increased enrollment of first generation students and historically under-represented students. 

He also guided the College as it strengthened the academic curriculum and added new programs including an innovative IN FOCUS program to promote in-depth examination of complex issues from multi-disciplinary perspectives; a Freshman Seminar for all first year students; and a college-readiness experience for first year students “Advancing Into Moravian” (AIM). In the past year, the College launched its first comprehensive capital campaign in the College’s history. 

Thomforde also presided over improvements to the campus facilities and infrastructure including significant new buildings and renovations: the 231-bed Hurd Integrated Living and Learning Community (The HILL); a new home for the Comenius Center, Benigna Hall; renovations to the Haupert Union Building including the Pavilion; and a new state-of-the-art fitness facility. In addition, renovations to Comenius Hall and the Collier Hall of Science are now underway.

“Chris's leadership, during especially tumultuous times, has been solid and strongly affirmed by the board of trustees and the Moravian community,” said Lyn Trodahl Chynoweth, chair of Moravian’s Joint Board of Trustees.

“His commitment to our mission and our purpose has been steadfast. He has overseen projects that enhanced programs and improved facilities for our students. We are most grateful for Chris’s tenure and the imprint his Presidency will leave behind.”