The university will publicly launch an expansive fund-raising campaign by 2008 under President Carol Cartwright’s successor.

Cartwright, who announced her retirement Wednesday, said one reason she wants to leave now is so the launch of the fund raiser, titled the Centennial Campaign, will belong to the next president. The campaign is set to end in 2010.

“If she had been here until 2009, it would be her campaign,” said Kathy Stafford, vice president for University Relations and Development.

Stafford said she knew Cartwright would not see the campaign to its end, because this fund-raising program is an unusually long one.

Planning began about a year and a half ago, Stafford said. They have been prioritizing the university’s needs, forming a campaign plan and examining the feasibility of such a program. Cartwright has been involved with the beginning stages of the campaign.

“She has been an integral part in each one of those steps,” she said.

While Stafford said she would like to have Cartwright involved, the campaign can continue with little to no problems. By the time the campaign is publicly launched in late 2007 or early 2008, the new president will be in place.

“They will be the communicator of our needs and our plans,” Stafford said.

The president will be the public’s focal point of the campaign, approaching and encouraging people to donate, she said, as well as explaining how this campaign benefits the university’s academic goals.

R. Douglas Cowan, Board of Trustees chairman, said the search committee wants to find someone similar to Cartwright as her successor. He or she will have to have strong social skills to be able to work well with the outside world.

Cartwright is outgoing, talkative and bright, he said, so they will be looking for such characteristics.

Cartwright said she will be available through summer 2007 to assist with any transitional issues.

Stafford said she hopes to have her involvement during the beginning of the change.

“She’s formed a lot of relationships over these 14 years with our donors and alums,” she said.

When Cartwright’s successor arrives, the campaign group will go over the plan’s history and priorities, and continue moving forward, Stafford said.

Contact administration reporter Rachel Abbey at [email protected].