PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The longtime president of Chestnut Hill College, Sister Carol Jean Vale, is stepping down this month after 30 years on the job.
“I’m 76 years old, and I think it’s time to take a break,” she said. “I’ve always heard that you know when it’s time to retire, and I have to say, I agree with that now. I think I have had 30 wonderful years at an outstanding institution.”
Vale is a 1978 Chestnut Hill graduate who started in the college’s religious studies department before becoming president in 1992.
“I never expected to be a college president,” she admitted. “It certainly wasn’t in my vision for myself. When I was appointed, I had no idea that I would be in place for 30 years.”
When Vale became president, Chestnut Hill College only admitted women. Under her watch, the school went co-ed in 2003, and the size of the campus nearly doubled three years later with the acquisition of the neighboring SugarLoaf property.
“The most important thing is the relationships that you form, both within the institution, with alumni, with elected officials,” Vale said, reflecting on her longevity. “My most important contribution, I believe, as Sisters of Saint Joseph, we have a mission that will benefit the entire world.
“We live and work so that all people may be one with God and with one another — and how desperately we need that right now in our world.”
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Vale isn’t sure where her life’s journey will lead her next. “My next step right now is retirement and some renewal. Some time for extended prayer, vacation, and I’ll see what surfaces as I go through those experiences.”
She will have time to savor the Vale Pale Ale, created by the Chestnut Hill Brewing Company in her honor.
“It’s a surprising taste, with a little citrus bite to it,” Vale said. “I think people will enjoy it.”
Vale is being succeeded by William Latimer, the vice president of Mercy College in the Bronx. He’ll be the first man and the first layperson to lead Chestnut Hill College.
“This is a big change after many, many years,” Vale said. “Some people necessarily have some trepidation about the future and what their place will be in it. I’ve done everything possible to reassure them that all will be well.”