After stewarding Queens University of Charlotte for over half a decade, President Dan Lugo is set to depart from his role at the culmination of the academic year. According to an email statement obtained by WSOCTV, Jesse Cureton, chair of the board of trustees, expressed a mingled sentiment of sadness and recognition towards Lugo's impending transition, highlighting it as a "testament to his continued growth as a leader."
The announcement was not an isolated revelation, but rather a precursor to Lugo's next chapter, as WCNC reported on his appointment to the presidency of Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. Queens University has voiced its intent to seamlessly execute transition plans, fostering continuity and stability within the institution's leadership.
Lugo's impending departure carries with it the significance of his contributions to Queens, which includes a notable 50% spike in undergraduate applications and the orchestration of a $25 million capital improvement strategy for the university. As detailed by WBTV, under his leadership, Queens also escalated to Division I in sports, underlining a dynamic period of evolution and growth for the institution.
With an extensive career spanning important roles at Colby College, Franklin and Marshall College, and Carleton College, Lugo is adept at enhancing an institution's stature. "The search committee was impressed immediately by Dan, who stood out above a highly competitive pool," Lisa Bisaccia, the chair of the Trinity College Board of Trustees, told WCNC. She acknowledged his capacity to drive institutions toward enduring financial stability, while simultaneously uplifting their brand and deepening community engagement on campus.
With Lugo's chapter at Queens University reaching its close, the institution has announced via WBTV that a presidential search committee, encompassing faculty, staff, students, alumni, and trustees will embark on the task to find his successor. Their goal is to ensure that the next leader will continue to build on the foundations laid by Lugo, maintaining the university’s trajectory of innovation and excellence.
