WATERVILLE — Thomas College President George Spann, 68, announced today that he will retire in June after twenty-three years at the school.

Spann was credited with revitalizing the institution in the early 1990s, according to an announcement from the school about the retirement.

“Dr. Spann’s arrival at Thomas College in 1989 was a watershed moment for the college.  He was clearly the right man at the right time,” says Conrad Ayotte, Thomas graduate and current Co-Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “George took on a small struggling school, and made it into what it is today – a strong, vibrant college poised for significant growth and a tremendous future.   The Thomas community owes Dr. Spann an enormous measure of gratitude for all that he has done to prepare that future.”

Spann’s retirement comes as Thomas launches its fifteen-year strategic plan, an effort he has championed.  The College will begin a formal and nationwide presidential search.

Plans to honor Spann for his 23 years of service to Thomas College will be forthcoming.

In September, Spann’s wife, Marty, died of breast cancer and the annual fundraising event at the college was renamed “Relay for Life of Waterville In Memory of Martha “Marty” Spann” in  her honor.