GROVE CITY — Grove City College President Richard Jewell announced his retirement this morning at the college’s 138th opening convocation in Harbison Chapel.

Jewell will step down at the end of this academic year.

“It is time to pass the baton to the next leader and for me to move on from this place that I love, knowing that together we have made a difference in the lives of our students and graduates,” Jewell said.

He was chosen as the college’s eighth president in August 2003.

Under his leadership the college has increased enrollment by 10 percent and added several major buildings to its 174-acre campus.

Jewell graduated from the college in 1967 with high honors in political science. He also served for many years as a college trustee.

The college’s board of trustees will begin a search process in September.