GOFFSTOWN — Father Jonathan DeFelice, O.S.B., president of Saint Anselm College, announced Tuesday that he will retire at the end of the academic year in June 2013, after leading the college since 1989.

The longest-serving college president in New Hampshire, Father Jonathan has had a lasting impact on Saint Anselm and on higher education in the state.

Under his leadership, Saint Anselm College became a leader in incorporating service into college curricula, launched the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, and enhanced its reputation as a nationally ranked liberal arts college.

“I cannot express what an honor it has been for me to serve this wonderful institution as president for more than two decades,” he told the Saint Anselm community in an email Tuesday morning. “Catholic education has been and will continue to be my passion, but now that I am on the brink of age 65 and the college is nearing its 125th anniversary, I think it is the ideal time for me to step aside for new leadership.”

Father Jonathan oversaw a significant expansion of on-campus housing, improved and expanded the college library and science center, added new offices for faculty and built a football stadium, ice hockey arena, and new athletic fields.

The Saint Anselm board of trustees will establish a board search committee for a new president and will be assisted by a professional search firm.