Gordon College President Lawrence Weill announced Wednesday that he is stepping down from his position at the end of the academic year, according to a press release from Gordon College.

Weill, who became Gordon’s president in April 2002, plans to take one year to renew his studies and then return to the Barnesville college as a faculty member in the field of philosophy. The Board of Regents will soon conduct a national search for the next president.

“Some of my colleagues at the presidential level will perhaps see this as a step downward. I do not,” Weill said in the release. “I wanted to be a college professor when I was a child, although I did not know any professors or even exactly what professors do.”

Weill, a Kentucky native who came to Gordon after serving as dean of academic affairs at Hopkinsville (Ky.) Community College, has been involved in a variety of changes and improvements at Gordon College.

During his tenure, Gordon moved from two-year to state college status. Early childhood education, nursing and biology were added as baccalaureate-level programs. Enrollment has increased by 50 percent, and a Student Success Center was developed under Weill’s presidency.

And yet, he believes his decision to step down as president can bring benefits.

“A dynamic institution needs to embrace change every so often,” Weill said. “I believe college presidents can serve a great deal by stepping aside at the right moment and letting someone new, with a different vision and a different style, take over. That kind of growth is healthy and will ensure the college continues to advance.”