Copyright MassLive
Endicott College’s president, Dr. Steven DiSalvo, is stepping down due to ongoing health concerns, according to a Monday announcement to the community. DiSalvo has been president for six years but has been on leave since the end of April due to his health. Beginning Oct. 25, Dr. Bryan Cain, the current acting president, will become the interim president. Read more: College presidents are leaving jobs sooner. 8 Mass. presidents say why “Under Dr. DiSalvo’s leadership, Endicott experienced a period of remarkable growth. He provided a bold strategic vision that mobilized our entire community, launching our first comprehensive fundraising campaign and successfully navigating the College through significant global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic,” the university’s Board of Trustees wrote in their Monday email. The trustees also pointed to investment in upgrading academic buildings and the campus and the creation of new programs during DiSalvo’s tenure. “Ultimately, the College’s enhanced academic quality, expanded global experiences, and historic athletic achievements have raised the reputation of Endicott,” the trustees said. Prior to DiSalvo’s health leave, a Change.org petition was created asking for DiSalvo to be terminated, claiming that the “overall quality of learning, faculty morale, and student satisfaction have significantly depreciated.” The petition, signed by close to 70 people, pointed to campus becoming less safe, residence halls becoming crowded and public safety issues not being taken seriously. The person who created the petition didn’t respond to a request for comment by MassLive. A spokesperson at Endicott said the health leave and the petition were unrelated in a conversation with MassLive over the summer. The spokesperson said public safety issues of concern by students were investigated and were unsubstantiated or charges were dropped.
