LINDSBORG — President Dr. Edward F. Leonard III has announced he will be leaving his post at Bethany College this summer to become the 14th president at Birmingham-Southern College, a liberal arts college located in Birmingham, Alabama affiliated with the United Methodist Church, the school reported in a media release.

President Leonard is completing his eighth year at Bethany College. During his tenure, President Leonard designed a plan and strategy to lead the college through a number of significant accomplishments.

These include a 34 percent enrollment growth since 2007, more than $25 million invested in new or updated facilities and landscaping, a new interdisciplinary general education curriculum, and the recent completion of a successful comprehensive campaign that raised $22 million, the largest in Bethany’s history.

“President Leonard has made a significant impact on the history of Bethany College,” said Dr. Kris Ericson, chair of the Bethany College Board of Directors. “He has established a positive trajectory for Bethany’s future. We are thankful for his outstanding leadership and service, and wish him and his family well in their new adventure.”

The college’s board will meet this weekend for its regular May meeting. Discussion will include next steps in replacing President Leonard.