Andrew Card will step down as head of Franklin Pierce University Aug. 1.

“I have surpassed the goals even I laid out for myself,” Card said in a statement. released yesterday. Card had a two-year contract with the board of trustees that will be up this January. He is shortening his tenure by five months.

“I wanted the school to start with my successor in place prior to the new academic year beginning so they can take the school to the next level.”

Card was named the fifth president of the university on Nov. 25, 2014, replacing outgoing president James F. Birge that January.

Card has accomplished much in his less than two years at the school, raising recruitment, registration, and revenue at the university. Card also increased the university’s nationwide visibility and unrestricted endowment.

“Andy accomplished everything we asked of him, and more,” said Michael C. J. Fallon, chairman of Franklin Pierce’s board of trustees. “We are sorry to see Andy and his wife, Kathleene, leave.”

Nicholas Handy can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 235 or nhandy@ledgertranscript.com. He is also on Twitter @nhandyMLT.