Emerson’s president will step down in 2011

Liebergott, 67, said in an emotional meeting with faculty and students at the Theater District school that she made the decision with mixed emotions.

“I have accomplished lots here, and the college is in incredible shape,’’ Liebergott told the Globe yesterday. “It’s a good time for me and the college to transition to new leadership.’’

The first female president of the college since its founding in 1880, Liebergott became interim president in 1992 and president in 1993, a few years after Emerson attempted but failed to move from Boston’s Back Bay to Lawrence. With Liebergott at the helm, Emerson began relocating to its current space near Boston Common in 1992.

Liebergott believes that the move is one of her greatest accomplishments at the school, which is known for its strong arts and communications programs.

“After moving, we improved the visibility of the college on a national level, doubled the size of the faculty members, and grew more academic programs,’’ Liebergott said.

The chairman of Emerson’s Board of Trustees, Peter Meade, said the numbers tell the story behind Liebergott’s leadership. “I would say the number of students at Emerson and rising SAT scores are just some of Jackie’s accomplishments,’’ he said.

During her tenure, Emerson has invested $450 million in establishing the campus. Full-time faculty increased from 91 to 178, and the number of applications increased nearly fourfold, from 1,849 to 6,943. The average SAT scores of applicants rose from 1,110 to 1,215. Full-time enrollment increased 55 percent, from 2,561 to 3,949.

Liebergott said that in 2007 she had told board members that she wished to resign. Meade said the board asked her to stay for an extra two years, to see to fruition projects she had initiated.