WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King released the following statement today in response to the announcement that University of New England (UNE) President Danielle Ripich plans to retire in June 2017, at which point she will have spent nearly 11 years at the helm of the University:

“Over the last decade, President Ripich has been a bold and visionary leader for the University of New England,” Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. “Her commitment to innovation, growth, and academic excellence has not only enriched the lives of thousands of students, but it has also contributed immeasurably to our state. We join with UNE students, faculty, and staff in thanking her for all that she has done to advance higher education in Maine, and we wish her nothing but the best in her next chapter of life.”

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