Dean Sue Anne Steffey Morrow announced Sunday that she will step down from her position as associate dean of religious life at the end of the academic year.
Morrow, who has held that post since 1989, ended her chapel service announcement by asking the congregation to sing along with a favorite hymn, 'Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.'
"There comes a time in your life when it's time for a change, and that time has come," Morrow said when reached at home. "I'm going to take time to read and to think, to read poetry and to write poetry."
Morrow will also pursue academic projects after she leaves, including a book on Rev. Dr. Edmund Steimle '30, and work on the role of religious pluralism in the future of higher education, according to a University press release.
Long a beloved friend and leader to students and faculty alike, Morrow's absence will be deeply felt.
"She'll be missed by everyone who worked with her," said Sean Cameron '05, treasurer of the Muslim Students' Association. Cameron knows Morrow from their joint involvement in the Religious Life Council, an interfaith group that Morrow initiated a few years ago.
Morrow said it was a "tremendous blessing" to be part of the University and be around "wonderful faculty, very special colleague, and students who inspire me over and over again."
In her extended time here, Morrow has witnessed major changes in the University, one of which has been the changing role of women.
"When I came here in 1981, there hadn't ever been a woman who had been up the pulpit steps in the University chapel." Morrow said.
"When I went up those pulpit steps in 1981, I couldn't imagine that in 20 years there would be a woman who would go up those steps who was president of the university."
Colleagues describe Morrow as having great rapport with students.
"She's very motherly, you feel comfortable just coming up and talking to her about anything," said Cameron, treasurer of the Muslim Students association, worked with Morrow on the Religious Life Council.
Morrow has served the University since becoming assistant dean of the chapel in 1981. She was acting dean of the chapel from 1988-1989, and assumed her current position in 1989.
Thomas Breidenthal, dean of religious life, said that Morrow's service was characterized by her willingness to do pastoral work with students, and by her "tremendous care and advocacy" for helping underprivileged groups.
He specifically mentioned her involvement with the Student Volunteers Council and LGBT alliance, as well as her work with women at Princeton, "especially during the '80s, when that was much needed," Breidenthal said.
"For more than two decades, Sue Anne has served this University with distinction. She has widened our vision of religious life and provided a deepened sense of community among us," President Shirley M. Tilghman said Sunday in University press release.
"She has provided generous support to faculty, staff, alumni, community members and, most importantly, students. With her personal warmth and good humor, she has enriched our individual lives and strengthened our community ties."
Breidenthal said the Office of Religious Life would be conducting a "very thorough" search for a new associate dean.
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