Stacy H. Young celebrates her inauguration Nov. 10 as Manchester University’s 16th president. Photo provided by Manchester University.

News Release

NORTH MANCHESTER — Manchester University students, faculty, staff and leaders celebrated the official inauguration of Stacy H. Young as the institution’s 16th president at a formal event on Friday, Nov. 10.

A 1996 graduate of Manchester University, Young brings nearly 25 years of experience in educational leadership to the role of president, including most recently serving as president of Montcalm Community College in Sidney, Mich. She also brings other strengths to the role, including growing enrollment and building strategic partnerships.

“Every day since I’ve returned to Manchester has felt like a dream come true, and that is especially true today,” Young said. “Serving as president of this institution is an incredible honor. Manchester truly changed my life — and I’m thrilled to work with our amazing faculty to continue changing the lives of our students and our world in the years to come.”

She was named president in May after a comprehensive national search and took office in July. She is the second woman to serve as president in the university’s history and replaces David McFadden, who served as president for nine years before his retirement in June.

“Dr. Young’s commitment to Manchester’s mission are values and passion for putting students first make her an ideal fit as president,” said John Gilmore, chair of the university’s board of trustees. “From the beginning, she’s understood how important serving others is to the identity of Manchester. Her experience, expertise and energy are key in helping advance our mission and lead the university in these exciting times.”

Young assumes the role of president at an important time for the university. In July, Manchester announced the successful completion of its $45 million Manchester Bold capital campaign two years ahead of schedule. The campaign is being used to fund an array of key long-term initiatives for Manchester, including the creation of new endowed student scholarships and the launch of nursing programs and other innovative curriculum programs.