USNH Board Chairman Steps Down

May 18, 2004 - Lee, NH- John Lynch, of Hopkinton, the Chairman of the University System of New Hampshire Board ( USNH ) of Trustees since 2001, has stepped down from the 27-member Board to begin campaigning for the governor's office. Lynch informed USNH Chancellor Stephen Reno of his decision on Monday. Dr. Reno, who has worked closely with Lynch over the past four years, praised the Chairman for his efforts in making USNH an effective and respected partner with all citizens in serving the needs of public higher education in the state. "In his role as a Trustee, and as Chairman, John Lynch has been extremely responsive to the needs of public higher education throughout New Hampshire ," said Reno. "He has worked tirelessly to secure resources to further the mission of USNH. He has been an effective leader with an abiding concern for the needs of students of all ages, in all parts of the state," added Reno . Lynch first joined the Board of Trustees in 2000 when he was appointed to the position by Governor Jeanne Shaheen. He was reappointed to a second four-year term by Governor Benson a year ago. Andrew Lietz, of Rye, who has also served on the Board since 2001, will remain the vice-chairman of the Board but will assume the duties of chairman as necessary to the continued functioning of the Board. The Trustees will elect new officers at their annual business meeting June 24 at Plymouth State University . Said Lietz, "I will endeavor to continue the active role that John Lynch played as our chairman in ensuring that the USNH institutions provide quality educational opportunities that are accessible and affordable to all New Hampshire residents. I look forward to assuming the duties of the chairman of the university system board of trustees until we gather to elect new officers in June." Lynch was the 13th person to chair the University System Board of Trustees since its inception in 1963. He is a 1974 graduate of the University of New Hampshire and a former president of the UNH Alumni Association.

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