FARMINGTON — Theodora J. Kalikow, the longest-serving chief administrator of the University of Maine at Farmington since it became a four-year college in 1945, announced Friday she will retire June 30.

Her legacy includes national and state recognitions for her educational initiatives, a strong commitment to strengthening students’ academic excellence and being a role model for other women as a leader in public service,

“At UMF, we would always base our work according to a core set of values, and we made our choices based on doing the best job for students,” Kalikow said in an interview Friday.

“Our core values are taking care of students, putting an excellent education within their reach and having them aspire way beyond what they thought they could achieve,” she said.

Kalikow announced her retirement to the campus community Friday night at the annual employee recognition dinner.