Dr. Jim Catanzaro, president of Chattanooga State, announced his retirement Monday, effective Dec. 31.
In a statement made to the college’s executive staff meeting on Monday morning, Dr. Catanzaro said, “I love this college and our community. We’ve made extraordinary strides over the past 24 years so that Chattanooga State stands out as one of the very best community colleges in the nation. We have heard this from the national community college leaders who visited us: John Roueche, Terry O’Banion, and the American Association of Community Colleges CEO Walter Bumphus. Certainly these men know community colleges. The THEC Outcomes Report positioned us as the highest achieving public college or university in the state.
"It has been a college-wide effort with strong system support. We can all be proud to be ‘Chattanooga Staters.’
"I’m immensely proud to have been part of such a distinguished campus community. Hopefully, new leadership will take Chattanooga State even further.
"I am announcing my retirement effective Dec. 31. Rhonda and I wish you all the very best.”
Dr. Catanzaro has served as president of Chattanooga State since 1990. He submitted his letter of intent to retire to TBR Chancellor John Morgan on Wednesday.
“President Catanzaro has made substantial contributions to Chattanooga State, its students, and the community it serves,” said Chancellor Morgan. “I appreciate his recognition that now is the appropriate time for new leadership to step in and allow the college to continue moving forward.”
An interim president will be appointed while a national search for a permanent leader is conducted next year. An announcement concerning the interim appointment will come at a later date.
A majority of Chattanooga State faculty members voted no confidence in the longtime president at a recent vote.