Davenport President Pappas to Retire After 17 Years

Davenport University Premier Transition and Leadership Update

Davenport University community will turn a page. After 17 years, Richard Pappas has announced his retirement, works well June 30, 2026. This comes after a career in higher education that now extends to nearly four decades, with his Davenport chapter marked by growth, innovation, and a clear focus on students’ outcomes.

Pappas’s tenure has measurable impact. Graduation rates climbed by 200% , and student retention rose 32% during his time as president. These gains didn’t happen by luck; they emerged from moves to strengthen academic quality, expand career-readiness experiences, and invest in technology that supports students wherever they learn.

Davenport’s enrollment sits around 7,500 students, with 50 undergraduate and graduate programs rooted in business, technology, health professions, and public service. The university’s footprint is in Michigan, but online offerings have broadened its reach, aligning with a shift many institutions faced in the post-pandemic era.

By the way! If you like my content, you can read another of my posts here, at The School Blog: NMSU's Freshmen Leadership Program Starts in August

The university’s finances reflect steady strength. The current budget hovers around $100 million , with an endowment that is modest but growing, and revenue streams dominated by tuition and fees, supplemented by state funding, grants, and private donations. Investments during his presidency have prioritized online platforms and student services, reinforcing a model that combines accessibility with rigorous preparation for the workforce. Davenport has placed emphasis on internships and experiential learning, a hallmark of its approach to education and employability.

Leadership transition comes at a time when U.S. higher education emphasizes continuity and succession planning. National trends show presidencies averaging six to eight years, making Pappas’s 17-year tenure unusually long, especially within Michigan. Analysts note that sustained leadership can support progress in graduation and retention, but smooth transitions remain to maintain momentum. Davenport’s board, led by Paula Cunningham, is gearing up for a national search designed to attract candidates with proven records in academic leadership and innovation.

Looking ahead, Davenport’s transition plan centers on transparency and student first. The school will continue prioritizing graduation outcomes, internship opportunities, and the expansion of flexible learning models. The institution’s initiatives, addressing academic integrity, hybrid and online delivery, and strengthening career-readiness programs, are expected to carry forward under new leadership, leveraging Pappas’s legacy to attract partnerships and philanthropic support.

For Davenport, the questios are about continuity and direction. How will the new president sustain the gains in graduation and retention? How will they balance growth with a sustainable financial model? The answers will shape Davenport’s next chapter, but the path laid out over the past 17 years provides a solid foundation. Pappas’s retirement marks the end of a changing era, yet the momentum remains. With roughly 7,500 students and a diversified program mix, Davenport is positioned to move forward thoughtfully, honoring its past while pursuing the opportunities ahead.

In summary, Richard Pappas’s retirement closes a chapter in Davenport’s story. The university enters a transition period that emphasizes a careful national search, continued focus on student success, and the sustained integration of experiential learning. The leadership change invites new energy and fresh ideas, but the core commitment remains: helping students learn deeply, prepare for meaningful work, and become freer and wiser through education. Education must challenge us to grow, and Davenport’s next chapter is a moment to watch closely, learn, and contribute where we can.

Note: This story reflects Davenport University’s planned direction and anticipated transition timeline as the organization continues to prioritize student outcomes and workforce readiness.

Claire Maddox