Saint Joe’s President Resigns

Pastoor has led Saint Joseph's since March 2015.

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As the financial troubles for Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer continue, President Robert Pastoor has submitted his resignation. Ben Sponseller, chairman of the college’s board of trustees, says Pastoor’s resignation will go into effect Friday.

Pastoor has been president of Saint Joseph’s since March 2015. He announced in January that the college’s financial situation was "dire," stating it would need $20 million by June and $100 million total to continue its current operations. The board voted to suspend campus activities in February.

"While I have only held the position of president for a little more than two years I have grown to truly value many of the faculty and staff whom have dedicated their lives to the College," Pastoor said in his letter of resignation. "It has been a privilege to get to know so many of the young men and women who attended Saint Joseph’s. I wish all those who remain the very best as you begin the extremely important task of revitalizing Saint Joseph’s College within the next two years."

Sponseller says Pastoor has been working with college officials to ensure a smooth transition. He says Pastoor "worked tirelessly to do all he could to help Saint Joseph’s thrive."

"We hope that living through this experience with the Saint Joseph’s College family will help Dr. Pastoor in his future work, wherever he chooses to take it," said Sponseller. "Everyone involved with the College carries the spirit of Saint Joseph’s out into the world. That spirit remains strong and vibrant, even in these difficult days. It marks us and changes us."

Since the announcement to suspend campus activities, Saint Joseph’s College has detailed the cuts of more than 420 jobs, including full-time, part-time and student worker positions. The school has also voluntarily resigned its accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission.