Thomas Patton, the longtime chief of St. Louis College of Pharmacy, announced this week that he will step down in 2010.

Patton, 60, has served as president of the college located in the Central West End for a marathon 15 years. He told the Board of Trustees earlier this week that he would not seek an extension on his contract that runs out in June 2010.

“This was an emotional decision for me,” Patton said in a statement. “I love the college, and I love what I do. But, the timing was right both personally and for the college. There are numerous major undertakings on the horizon — a new strategic plan, a fundraising campaign, and potential further capital improvement projects — that will require multi-year commitments. I didn’t think it was appropriate to start things I’m not going to finish. New leadership will bring fresh perspective to these undertakings.”

But Patton will not be leaving the college altogether. He will go on a six-month sabbatical and then return as a college consultant in January 2011. The board has also offered him the title of president emeritus.

During his tenure, the college’s enrollment has grown by 45 percent to almost 1,200 students. The college’s endowment has swelled to $88.7 million (as of last June) from $17 million when he arrived. He led two capital campaigns. He also oversaw a $42 million capital improvement project that included a new residence hall, cafeteria, and more green space as well as building and parking improvements.

Board Chairman Ron Hofmeister said he will start establishing a plan for the search for a new president within the next month or so.

“The entire board and I have enjoyed working with Dr. Patton,” Hofmeister said. “Progress at the college has been unprecedented under his leadership.”

Below, I have copied the letter that Patton wrote to faculty and staff on Wednesday about his departure:

Colleagues

When I signed my last contract extension in the spring of 2007, I let it be known that I intended to step down as President when that contract ended in the summer of 2010. Last month, I indicated to Board of Trustees Chairman Ron Hofmeister that it was my intention to fulfill the rest of my contract, but that, after 16 years of service to the College as President, I did wish to step down on June 30, 2010 as planned. At the Board meeting on Tuesday, he advised the full Board of my intentions.

Chairman Hofmeister has indicated that he will initiate an action plan within the next 30 days to facilitate the search process for the office of President. I understand his hope is to have a new President in place by early June of 2010 to allow a smooth transition. In the interim it will be ‘business as usual’ for me. We have many initiatives underway as we continue to implement all aspects of the College’s strategic plan; initiatives that will require my full-time efforts and your continued good work and support. I will commence a six-month sabbatical, beginning July 1, 2010, after which the Board has asked me to return in a multi-year consultancy position to the Board, and support them and the new President in any way necessary.

The last 15 years have been very rewarding for me, and I look forward to working with you during the next 17 months as we continue to make STLCOP the very best in pharmacy education.

The Grade is the St. Louis region’s premier blog on education and child welfare. To read other recent posts, go to www.stltoday.com/thegrade.