Guilford Trustees extend President Jean Bordewich's contract

Jean Parvin Bordewich, who has led Guilford’s recovery since January last year, will be continuing as President for another four years. The College’s Board of Trustees on Monday approved an extension of her contract through July 2030.

“Since becoming Guilford's 11th president in August 2025, following seven months in an acting role, Jean has led the College’s  financial recovery, expanded philanthropy, improved organizational effectiveness and deepened engagement with the community," says Board Chair Dan Mosca.

“Higher education is facing unprecedented demographic, financial and public policy challenges,” says Dan. “The Board believes Guilford is well positioned to meet them because of the strategic foundation Jean has built. She has created a culture of accountability, collaboration and innovation that will benefit the College for years to come.”

Dan says these outcomes reflect a broader commitment to building an institution that is academically distinctive, financially disciplined and positioned to thrive despite the significant challenges facing higher education.

“Guilford already offers an excellent, values-based liberal arts education and well-rounded student experience that pave the way for a meaningful life in an ever more complex world,” says Jean. “We now must make the College’s singular approach to learning and living more widely known. Guilford is on the rise, and I look forward to accelerating our momentum over the next few years.”

Dan says the extension will allow Jean to guide the College through the new strategic plan being launched now and in effect through 2030.

“I’m deeply grateful for the Board’s confidence in me and I am honored to continue serving Guilford where I have deep roots,” says Jean. “The progress we have made reflects the intense dedication of Guilford’s faculty, staff, students, alumni, trustees, donors, and community partners. Together, we will build Guilford’s future grounded in Quaker-inspired values like community, integrity and equality that have guided the College for nearly 190 years.”

Jean, who was the College’s Board Chair in 2024, had originally agreed to serve as President through the 2026-27 academic year.

She and four other trustees arrived at Guilford in January 2025 when weak finances threatened its accreditation and the previous President had stepped down. They successfully balanced the books and the College’s accreditation was reaffirmed in December.