Miriam Nelson, president of Hampshire College, talks at press conference about the possibility of a potential long-term sustainability partner because of finical difficulties at the college.
Miriam Nelson, president of Hampshire College, talks at press conference about the possibility of a potential long-term sustainability partner because of finical difficulties at the college.

By DUSTY CHRISTENSEN

Staff Writer

AMHERST — Hampshire College President Miriam “Mim” Nelson has resigned.

In a message to the campus, Nelson said that since college leaders announced on Jan 15. that they were seeking a strategic partner, the school has seen an outpouring of support. “Yet even as we made some progress in finding a sustainable and impactful future, the mere fact that we were doing so pulled our community apart,” she wrote.

For that reason, Nelson said, she told board of trustees Chairman Luis Hernandez and Vice Chairman Kim Saal that she would be stepping down effective at 4 p.m. on Friday.

“So long as I were to remain president of Hampshire, the community’s feelings about me would be a distraction from the necessary work,” Nelson said. “I am confident a new leader will work within a more favorable environment and find the path to daylight that has eluded me.”

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.