New President For Girard College
By David Madden
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- They've hung the "Help Wanted" sign outside of Girard College. The school's first African-American and female president has handed in her resignation, effective in June.
Autumn Adkins Graves came on-board three years ago. But now, at age 39, personal needs take precedence. Her husband just got a promotion at his job.
"He works in New York City, and personally, we are looking to grow our family, and I need to simplify our lives a bit," Adkins Graves says.
Graves is proud of her accomplishments on the educational front, not to mention the stronger emphasis on fundraising and community involvement she pushed for. But the economy took its toll, with a 30% drop in enrollment over her term.
Girard College provides free schooling, as well as room and board for disadvantaged boys and girls grades one through twelve. Plans are to appoint an interim president shortly, and then begin a national search for her successor.
