Colorado Mountain College announced on Tuesday that President and CEO Carrie Besnette Hauser will be stepping down in August after 10 years in the position, according to a CMC news release. 

“‘How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.’ This A.A. Milne quote perfectly captures the mixed emotions I have in sharing my decision to step down as President & CEO of Colorado Mountain College in August,” Hauser wrote in a letter shared with students, faculty and staff on Tuesday. 

As a reasoning for the timing of her resignation, Hauser wrote that the fact that CMC is at such a “high point” with its leadership, funding and student academics makes it “exactly the right time to make room for CMC’s next chapter.”

“There comes a moment when leaders know in their hearts that it is time to conclude their service, particularly when an organization is in such a strong position,” Hauser said in the release. 

In terms of next steps, Hauser’s letter states that she will be taking time to recharge in the state’s outdoors, including a trip to climb Mt. Whitney in California. She continued, “Rest assured that I’ll keep you posted about my next professional steps and promise to stay connected with CMC, including teaching an occasional class (which I simply have not had time to do in my current role).”

Hauser is one of the most tenured higher education CEOs in Colorado and the longest-serving president in Colorado Mountain College history. She was named CMC’s president and CEO in December 2013 and is the ninth president and the second woman to hold the position, according to the release. 

In February, Hauser was named the 2023 Citizen of the Year by the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association in recognition of her exemplary leadership. 

“Serving as president and CEO of Colorado Mountain College has been one of the greatest joys of my life,” Hauser said in the release. “Our team has accomplished so much on behalf of students and by delivering consistent value to the mountain communities that invest so heavily in CMC. Helping individuals from all backgrounds pursue their dreams while contributing to the economic vitality of our region and state has been incredibly fulfilling.” 

Hauser stated that she intends to work closely with the CMC Board of Trustees to ensure a smooth leadership transition before stepping into her next professional role. 

Peg Portscheller, who chairs the Colorado Mountain College Board of Trustees, stated in the release that there will be several opportunities to celebrate President Hauser and her achievements before her departure in August. 

The CMC Board of Trustees will meet this Friday to discuss the process to select Hauser’s successor, who will become the college’s 10th president.