As was reported in local media recently, University of Cincinnati’s President, Dr. Nancy Zimpher, will soon be leaving for a new position as chancellor of the State University of New York. While many rumors and suppositions are rampant, we have been told that she will remain at UC into May, starting at SUNY June 1.Traditionally, the university’s Board of Trustees appoints an interim president while undertaking a national search; it is expected the same process will be followed in this case but, as yet, an interim has not been named.
Depending on various factors, such a search may take up to 18 months to complete the entire process, including contracting with a search firm, recruitment and evaluation of candidates, solicitation of comments from a wide variety of constituents, and final review by the UC trustees. For additional details about the complete search process, you may wish to review the Board of Trustees rule # 10-6-01, which can be accessed through the university web site.
I’ve had several questions about repercussions from President Zimpher’s departure. People are curious about what her leaving may hold in store for our college and the many university-wide initiatives currently underway. While it is true that, much like the president of the country, the president of a university sets the direction, I believe that this change in our leadership will continue to be a time of assertive strategic planning and implementation.
Despite this change in our leadership, I know the university will continue to thrive and grow. We will retain our focus on offering quality education and, as a college, to foster collaboration with the other colleges and our community. I personally believe this is a time to be thankful for our solid foundation and to look to the future with expectation and energy.