After nearly 15 years at the helm, Brenau University President Ed L. Schrader has announced his retirement.
The announcement was made public in a press statement from the Gainesville-based university's 30-member Board of Trustees.
"Brenau University and the Gainesville community owe Dr. Schrader a debt of gratitude, for both are richer for his time among us,” said Pete Miller, chairman of the Brenau University Board of Trustees. “Since his first day, Dr. Schrader’s primary mission has been to honor the heritage of what is now our 140-year-old institution while ensuring it has a vibrant future. He has done both with a tireless passion for his work. With honesty and integrity beyond reproach, he has demonstrated unparalleled and remarkable vision and leadership.”
Schrader became the university's ninth president on Jan. 1, 2005, arriving in Gainesville after a four-and-a-half year stint as the president of Shorter University in Rome, Georgia. He plans to retire in 2019.
According to Miller, a search for Schrader's replacement will begin in the fall with the goal of having a new president in place by July 2019.
The university listed among Schrader's accomplishments during his tenure:
- A university budget that has nearly tripled to $65 million.
- An increase in the endowment from $26.3 million to more than $51 million.
- Student enrollment almost doubled to nearly 4,000 enrolled annually.
- The 6,500-piece Permanent Art Collection has grown to an estimated value of $8.3 million.
- The launching of three doctoral programs in his tenure: the Doctor of Nursing Practice, the Occupational Therapy Doctorate and the Doctor of Physical Therapy. A fourth - Doctor of Education - launches in January 2019.
- Expansion of Brenau’s athletics program from 40 athletes competing in five sports when he arrived to more than 150 student-athletes competing in 15 teams through the Appalachian Athletic Conference.
"Serving as Brenau University’s president has been the highlight of my career,” Schrader said, “and I am most appreciative to Brenau’s board for allowing me to steward and lead with such a collaborative and innovative board, faculty and staff. Brenau has amazing momentum right now, and I make this announcement with full confidence, knowing that the university is poised to burn even brighter in the years ahead.”
Schrader said he and his wife Myra, a former mathematics professor, plan to continue to reside in Gainesville, Georgia.
