After holding the presidency at Binghamton University since 1990, Lois DeFleur announced her plans to retire in July.
DeFleur cited her marriage this summer as well as her mother’s poor health as reasons for retirement.
According to Gail Glover, spokeswoman for BU, DeFleur had spoken with the BU Council in October regarding her retirement, however, the discussion was postponed because of budget issues, plans for BU’s future law school and the review of the athletic department.
Glover stated that DeFleur is hoping to take care of a few administrative issues before her upcoming retirement.
“The president has indicated that she will continue to work on major issues such as the budget, moving the law school proposal forward and preparing our self-study for the Middle States accreditation visit before she leaves,” she said.
Along with this, Glover said, DeFleur has plans to focus on bringing high-quality students to undergraduate and graduate programs and continuing campus construction projects.
DeFleur chose the end of July as her retirement date in order to tie up various loose ends, Glover explained.
“I am so proud of the tremendous growth and many achievements that have taken place at the University during my 19-year tenure as president,” DeFleur wrote in a statement. “Binghamton University continues to be recognized nationally and internationally for the excellence of our undergraduate and graduate programs as well as our world-class arts and cultural events.”
In addition to sending out her statement to faculty and students through a B-Line message Jan. 13, DeFleur also held a press conference on campus to discuss this decision over winter break.
The press conference was held on the Binghamton University campus and, according to Glover, gave DeFleur an opportunity to discuss her statement as well as offer thanks to Binghamton’s faculty, staff and students for working with her during her presidency.
The next question to be asked: Who will take over the presidency come July 2010?
“[DeFleur] will continue to serve as the University’s presidency right up until her retirement in July,” Glover said. “A national search for her replacement will begin shortly.”
The search will be conducted by the BU Council.
“[The council] anticipates a large pool of highly-qualified applicants both internally as well as nationally,” said Kate Madigan, chair of the BU Council.
According to Madigan, the Council will meet soon to establish both search criteria and a timetable for selection of the next president. There is also talk of whether an interim president will be necessary, she said.
The search committee will consist of approximately 15 members, including the chair of the Council, four Council members, six faculty members, a graduate or undergraduate student, an alumnus, an administrator and a non-voting representative from the chancellor’s office.
After the search committee finds approximately five candidates the list will then be given to the BU Council to select three candidates from the five, Madigan explained.
According to Madigan, the list goes to SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher, who will recommend one candidate to the SUNY Board of Trustees for consideration, and finally, an appointment can be made.