By Aden Sievert
Hood College president Andrea Chapdelaine announced to students in an email sent Thursday, March 28, that she has submitted her resignation to the college’s Board of Trustees after accepting a position as the president of Connecticut College.
Chapdelaine’s resignation will be effective at the end of her current contract, June 30.
“There are a lot of accomplishments that I am proud of, but I want to acknowledge that it is the students and the people that I work with that I have most enjoyed, and without them, none of these accomplishments would have been possible or worth doing,” Chapdelaine said.
During Chapdelaine’s tenure at Hood, she has had her fair share of tough days and challenges. On her first day, there was a flood in the basement of East Cottage, as well as a car that caught fire near Brodbeck Hall. Chapdelaine also dealt with the pandemic during her tenure.
“The pandemic was very hard, but everyone came together and Hood was a shining example of how to take care of each other and keep moving ahead,” Chapdelaine said.
One of the recurring challenges that Chapdelaine dealt with during her time is resources.
“I feel there are never enough hours in the day or enough funding to do all the things I would like to do to make Hood a better place to learn and work,” Chapdelaine said. “I would say the hardest challenges are when there is conflict and discord, or when the welfare of a member or members of our community is a concern.”
One of Chapdelaine’s firm beliefs is that problem-solving is best done together. Similarly, she strives to be available and transparent in her decision-making.
Presidential departures are big moments for a college and its history. Chapdelaine strongly believes in the Board of Trustees, senior team and faculty and staff, to lead Hood while we undergo this time of change.
“Hood was here for 122 years before me and it will be here long, long after I am gone. I have no doubt that they will ably steward Hood during and through this period of transition,” Chapdelaine said.
Tonya Thomas Finton, the chair of the Board of Trustees, sent an email to students detailing Chapdelaine’s nine-year career at Hood and the accomplishments she has achieved.
Some initiatives Finton mentioned:
- Chapdelaine saw the completion of the Moving Together Beyond Boundaries strategic plan, which launched new academic programs, significant expansion of strategic partnerships and investment in employee compensation.
- There was growth in undergraduate and graduate enrollment and improvement in student retention.
- Investment of nearly $100 million in campus, including the renovation of the Beneficial-Hodson Library and Learning Commons and Coblentz-Memorial Hall, and the building of Blazer Hall.
- Completion of Forging the Future campaign, raising nearly $75 million in support for scholarships, experiential learning, the Hood Fund and more.
Chapdelaine said the moments she cherishes most are the little things.
“Laughing with co-workers, having students over at East Cottage, seeing students shine (concerts, theater, dance, honors presentations, sports), teaching, reunion weekends, great board meetings, connecting with donors and community members, all add up to a huge impact on me,” Chapdelaine said.
Chapdelaine will face challenges at Connecticut College.
In late March 2023, Connecticut College president, Katherine Bergeron, stepped down from her position amid controversy that involved a fundraiser scheduled at an infamously discriminatory venue. Bergeron’s stepping down came after Rodmon King, the then dean of institutional equity and inclusion, resigned over the college’s decision to hold a fundraiser at Florida’s Everglades Club.
When asked about these issues at Connecticut College, Chapdelaine responded, “My focus right now is fully on Hood and doing what I can to help with the transition.”
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