Kettering University President James John to Retire in 2005

FLINT, Mich.--March 18, 2004--After 13 years of distinguished service, Dr. James E.A. John, President of Kettering University in Flint, Mich., has announced his plan to retire in June 2005.

The progress made under Dr. John's leadership has been nothing short of dramatic, said Jane L. Warner, Chair of the Board of Trustees. "He was the right individual at the right time," she said. While continuing the outstanding reputation for academic excellence, Dr. John has also transformed the campus, significantly improved the university's financial situation, revamped the school's leadership, established key initiatives to attract and retain a diverse student body and held leadership offices in various national organizations, she said.

When Dr. John arrived in 1991, it was to become President of GMI Engineering & Management Institute, a world renowned cooperative engineering college. The school, which had been wholly owned by General Motors was taken private nine years earlier. Under his leadership, a master plan was created which guided the investment into the construction of the Connie and Jim John Recreation Center, the C.S. Mott Engineering and Science Center, Campus Village student apartments, and the Harris playing fields with the Miller golf center. Land was donated by Delphi and General Motors for a research park, and air conditioning of the dorm was accomplished.

The school's name was changed to Kettering University in 1998 to encourage and reflect the more than 700 companies sponsoring cooperative students and to recognize the support and encouragement that Charles F. (Boss) Kettering, former head of R&D at GM, gave the school in the early years. Dr. John led the establishment of the first strategic plan and established the concept of centers of excellence to bring financial support. The related capital campaign brought $100 million in funding to the university while the endowment was increased to $45 million from $9.0 million.

To further encourage and support diversity in the student population, Dr. John established the Office of Minority Student Affairs and Women's Resource Center.

Dr. John is expected to stay through June 2005 or until a successor is chosen. For more information, go to: www.kettering.edu