College of Saint Elizabeth President to Retire

College of Saint Elizabeth President Sister Francis Raftery has announced she is retiring as president of the college in June after leading the school for 16 years.

In that time, the school completed more than $54 million in projects on the campus, established its doctoral program in educational leadership, and added several master’s degrees, according to an announcement on the university website.

Sister Rosemary Moynihan, chair of the college's Board of Trustees, will coordinate the college's next presidential search.

“We appreciate all the wonderful, creative work done and the advances made during Sister Francis’ tenure," Moynihan said. "She will be sorely missed.”

Raftery worked at CSE for 38 years, including as an education professor and chair of the education department. She designed and implemented the college's education major, including its field experience component.

Awards she has received include the Sister Rose Thering Award, given to Raftery in June 2011 by the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education for her support of educational and community programs and activities that combat bias, bigotry and intolerance.

She currently serves on the board of directors for the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in New Jersey, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce. She recently was named secretary of the board of trustees at Saint Clare's Hospital in Denville.