Two Women University Leaders Announce Their Retirements

Patrice Caldwell, the eleventh president and chancellor of Eastern New Mexico State University in Portales has announced that she will retire in January. She is the first woman to lead the university. Dr. Caldwell has been a member of the university family for the past 42 years. She joined the university in 1980 as an assistant professor and taught freshman composition.

“I didn’t expect the presidency to be a walk in the park, a bed of roses, or any sort of Kumbaya experience,” Dr. Caldwell said. “I expected to be doubted, challenged, and mistrusted by some, and supported, sustained and helped by others. And I was. Eastern is about our students and their success. Being part of the university that cares about them, supports them, and helps them achieve their goals — there is no better way to be remembered.”

Dr. Caldwell received her bachelor’s in English from the University of Southern California. She holds a master’s degree and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Emily Cutrer, president of Texas A&M University-Tekarkanna, has announced that she will retire at the end of the academic year. She has served as president since 2013. Earlier, Dr. Cutrer held faculty and/or administrative roles at the University of Texas at Austin, Arizona State University, and California State University, San Marcos

“This announcement is truly bittersweet,” Dr. Cutrer said. “I love this university. I love our students. And I love working in a place where everyone puts so much into ensuring our students’ success. But after a lot of thought and discussion with my husband, I believe this is the right time for everyone. The university is in a good place, and I both look forward to this next chapter in our lives.”

A native of San Antonio, Dr. Cutrer holds a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and a Ph.D. in American studies from the University of Texas at Austin.