Laurie Lachance, president of Thomas College in Waterville, Maine, has announced her plans to retire by June 2025.
Thomas College enrolls roughly 1,600 undergraduate students and 100 graduate students. Women represent about 55 percent of the undergraduate student body.
Lachance was named the fifth president of Thomas College in 2012. Her appointment made her the first woman and first alumna to hold the position. During her tenure, the college expanded its undergraduate, graduate, and online degree programs, as well as its professional and career development programming. Lachance led various campaigns throughout her presidency, resulting in almost $50 million in funding for construction projects on campus, including the new Sukeforth Family Sports Center.
Prior to joining Thomas College, Lachance served as president and chief executive officer of the Maine Development Foundation for eight years. She also had a career in state government, serving as the Maine State Economist under three governors over the course of 11 years.
“It has been my greatest honor and privilege to serve as Thomas College’s president,” said Lachance. “With the vision and full support of the board, and the hard work and can-do spirit of our entire college community, Thomas has experienced over a decade of bold transformation. We’ve consistently led the industry in ‘breaking the mold’ by creating strong early college programming, attacking affordability head-on by offering all bachelors degrees in a three-year format and a master’s in one year, and proudly serving as an engine of upward social and economic mobility. We have had great growth without ever abandoning our humble roots and kind culture.”
Lachance is a graduate of Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, where she majored in economics. She received an MBA from Thomas College.