IMSA President to Retire After 20 Outstanding Years
For Immediate Release, Press Release
For comment, contact Brenda Buschbacher at
(630) 907-5033
AURORA – Dr. Stephanie Pace Marshall, the 20-year founding president of the internationally-acclaimed Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® has announced that she will retire June 30, 2007.
"For nearly 20 years, IMSA has been led by a visionary educator and distinguished executive, its founding and sole President, Dr. Stephanie Pace Marshall," said Dr. Luis Nuñez, chairman of the IMSA Board of Trustees. "While many have contributed to IMSA's success to date, clearly Dr. Marshall's expertise, skills, passion, business and political acumen, and tireless advocacy for students and educators have made possible countless opportunities and achievements," Nuñez said. "The IMSA community, those we serve, the People of Illinois, and friends of IMSA in our nation and world have benefited significantly as a result of her outstanding leadership."
Nuñez said the search for Marshall's successor will begin soon. For more information, visit the initial board statement.
Marshall said this is an opportune time for leadership transition. "I have loved IMSA and our work over the last 20 years," she said. "IMSA's 20th anniversary is a time to re-imagine our future and create a bold vision for our next generation. IMSA has achieved enormous success in the last 20 years – our next generation can move us from great success to even greater significance," she said.
During her tenure, IMSA achieved widespread recognition as an academic powerhouse and world-class institution and model for educational innovation and transformation. Its students have consistently excelled in research and academic competitions.
Most recently, the College Board Advanced Placement Program (AP) recognized IMSA as having the strongest results in the world among like-size schools for AP Physics C: Mechanics and for AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. In addition, IMSA was recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the top 10 public high schools in the nation out of more than 20,000 nationwide.
More than 3,400 of IMSA's young graduates are already making their mark on the world, with more than 63% pursuing advanced study in mathematics and science. Many are now award-winning scientists, inventors, technology entrepreneurs and trailblazers in their chosen fields.
In addition, nearly 19,000 teachers and 43,000 students in Illinois and beyond have benefited from IMSA's professional development and student enrichment programs during the Marshall era. IMSA also serves as a strong model for public-private partnerships, receiving strong support over the years from state appropriations, federal grants, corporate/foundation grants and gifts from individuals.
Citing the recent Rising Above the Gathering Storm report by the National Academy of Sciences, which recommended expanding statewide specialty high schools of mathematics, science and technology to help secure a brighter economic future for America, Marshall thanked the Illinois General Assembly and People of Illinois for being "20 years ahead of the curve."
"The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy has had a unique record of achievement and it simply would not have been possible without the support of the Illinois General Assembly, its leaders and the public," Marshall said. "This is a testament to their forward-thinking perspective and continued support."
The internationally recognized Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) develops creative, ethical leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. As a teaching and learning laboratory created by the State of Illinois, IMSA enrolls academically talented Illinois students (grades 10-12) in its advanced, residential college preparatory program. It also serves thousands of educators and students in Illinois and beyond through innovative instructional programs that foster imagination and inquiry. (www.imsa.edu)