College of Idaho announces its president is leaving, former leader will fill in

Charlotte Borst, who took the helm at the Caldwell liberal arts college two years ago, is leaving "to pursue other opportunities," and former president Bob Hoover will step in to ease the transition, the college announced Thursday.

No further reason for Borst's abrupt departure at the beginning of fall term was released, and Hoover is taking over immediately as interim president, according to the news release. A search for the college's 14th president is launching, with a new leader expected to be named by next June, C of I board chair Laura Turner said in the release.

Hoover led the College of Idaho from 2003 to 2009. Borst took the post in July 2015 after a six-year tenure by Marv Henberg.

“After considerable discussion and deliberation, I have decided that the time is right to pursue other opportunities in higher education and to support a transition to new leadership,” Borst said in the news release. “My husband Rick and I have loved Idaho.”

Turner praised Borst as "an energetic force" who led the college as it embarked on large student housing renovations, a nearly completed new library and a five-year strategic plan. Turner also praised Hoover, who agreed to return from retirement until a new leader is named. Hoover most recently served as president and CEO of the Idaho Community Foundation,

“My wife Leslee and I have enjoyed our retirement, but we are looking forward to returning to the Caldwell community for the next 10 months or so and especially look forward to working with the great students, faculty, staff, alumni and Board of Trustees of the College of Idaho," Hoover said in the news release. "There is strong momentum at the College and we want to make sure there is a seamless transition to the 14th president.”

This story was originally published August 24, 2017 at 11:17 AM with the headline "College of Idaho announces its president is leaving, former leader will fill in."