Trinity College President Announces Retirement

Trinity College

HARTFORD, CT — Trinity College in Hartford's longtime president will serve in that role for a little more than a year.

Joanne Berger-Sweeney, a neuroscientist and veteran leader in higher education, announced April 16 she will retire from Trinity College as its 22nd president on June 30, 2025, after serving the College for 11 years. She was inaugurated on Oct. 26, 2014.

She is the first African American and the first woman to serve as president of the college since it was founded in 1823.

“From the moment I stepped through the Williams Arch to view the beautiful Chapel on the left, the majestic Long Walk on the right, and the statue of the bishop in front of me, I knew that I would love this place,” Berger-Sweeney said.

“I am grateful for the extraordinary students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, parents, and friends who have generously given of their time, talent, and treasure to Trinity and who have supported me through both easy and difficult times.”

A search for the 23rd president of Trinity College is already underway.

“The board of trustees now embarks on its most important responsibility: recruiting and securing the 23rd president of Trinity College,” said Lisa G. Bisaccia, chairperson of the board.

“Our goal is to ensure a strong continuity of leadership that will serve the community and will continue our shared mission of educating bold, independent thinkers well into Trinity’s third century.”

Bisaccia will chair the search committee, comprised of alumni, faculty, staff, students, and trustees. It will work with the executive recruitment firm Spencer Stuart.

The Trinity community can offer input on the search via the new Presidential Search website.

For the full retirement announcement, click on this link.