Vice president announces retirement

A 31-year era at Chadron State College is coming to an end.

In an unexpected move, Lois Veath, vice president for academic affairs, announced her retirement during an all-campus meeting Thursday.

“Even though I am parting, I’m still going to be on campus. Go Eagles,” Veath said through tears.

The crowd of about 100 faculty, administrators, staff, and students then gave her a standing ovation that lasted about 15-20 seconds as she returned to her seat.

Janie Park, CSC president, took the podium, and said, “We are not going to miss a step in what we’re doing. Lois promised to help in the transition and beyond.”

Veath said the reason she was revealing her retirement this early is because she wanted to give Park plenty of time to conduct a national search for her replacement. She also expressed hope that the replacement would be decided by Christmas, and on campus for spring term to make the transition go smoothly.

Her retirement is effective at the end of the academic year, which is in May 2012.