photo by: Journal-World File

In this file photo from Friday, July 11, 2014, newly hired Baker University president Lynne Murray chats with recent Baker graduate and university admissions assistant Matthew Fry as he leads Murray and various media members as well as members of the Baker administration on a tour of campus.

After a decade at the helm of Baker University, Lynne Murray will step down at the end of the year, the private university in Baldwin City announced Tuesday.

The university plans to immediately begin a national search to replace Murray, who will remain in her role until Dec. 31. Murray intends to work alongside the Board of Trustees to ensure a smooth transition of leadership, Baker’s news release said.

Under Murray’s leadership, Baker experienced significant growth and success, the release said. Among her most notable accomplishments is the Forever Orange campaign, which substantially strengthened Baker’s endowment. The release also noted Murray’s guidance during the “unprecedented challenges of COVID-19, when the university adapted swiftly to ensure student success while safeguarding the health and well-being of its community.”

“Dr. Murray has been an extraordinary leader during her tenure, positioning Baker for continued success,” said Brenda Tuller Stasiulis, chair of Baker University’s Board of Trustees, in the release. “We are profoundly grateful for her decade of service, which has left an indelible impact on the university. We look forward to finding a leader who will build upon this legacy and lead Baker into its next chapter of growth.”

The search will be led by Trustee John Thomson, founder and CEO of PayIt, a digital government and payment platform.