Pitzer College President Marilyn Chapin Masey announced her retirement effective June 30, 2002 in a press release Wednesday. The fourth president in Pitzer's history, Massey took office July 1, 1992. A desire to spend more time with family is the reason given in the press release for Massey's retirement. A national search for a new president will begin immediately.

The announcement of Massey's retirement comes amid growing discontent with Massey's stance on labor issues. Both the student senate and the executive faculty committee have passed resolutions calling for the college to support the card check method of worker unionization for dining hall workers.

Massey has opposed the card check method of unionizing in favor of a secret ballot conducted by the National Labor Relations Board, some say at the urging of trustees.

In addition, a Los Angeles Times story this week reported that a number of Pitzer professors are attempting to organize into a local chapter of the Industrial Workers of the World.

As president, Massey has increased the market value of Pitzer's endowment from $27 million to nearly $50 million. Her tenure has seen the campus add three buildings and develop a long term plan for the growth of the college. Admissions selectivity has also improved at the college.

Before becoming Pitzer's president, Massey served as vice-president for academic affairs at Marymount Manhattan College in New York City. Before Marymount Manhattan, she held administrative and teaching positions at the College of New Rochelle, Mundelein College and Harvard and Duke universities. As a scholar, Massey has written extensively on the philosophy of religion, including two books: Christ Unmasked: The Meaning of 'The Life of Jesus" In German Politics and The Feminine Soul: The Fate of an Ideal.

Born in Dayton, Ohio, Massey grew up in Chicago and attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, where she earned a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in the history of religion. She holds a second master's degree in interdisciplinary religious studies and a doctorate, with distinction, from the University of Chicago. Massey is married to actor James Massey. The couple has two grown daughters, Lisa and Sarah.

Massey succeeded Frank Ellsworth (1979-1991) as Pitzer's president. Other past Pitzer presidents are Paul B. Ranslow, James B. Jamieson, Robert H. Atwell, and John Wellen Atherton.