2008 Woodie Awards
Westphal resigns as system chancellor
Brian Brown
Issue date: 4/20/06 Section: News
University of Maine System Chancellor Joseph Westphal announced yesterday that he is resigning from his position effective June 30, 2006.
Westphal, who has held the post since April 2005, also announced he has accepted a professorship within the university system and will return to full-time teaching.
"After many years of leading large and complex organizations, I want to use my energy in new ways to contribute to this university system and Maine," said Westphal. "I want to fulfill some personal goals that rely on the many incredible experiences I have been fortunate to have had in my career, and returning to a full-time faculty position will enable me to pursue those objectives."
UMaine President Robert Kennedy was disappointed to hear about the chancellor's resignation.
"I've worked closely with Joe Westphal for many years, and I appreciate his creativity, his energy and his strong commitment to public higher education," said Kennedy. "Maine is a better place because of his leadership."
Charles Johnson, chairman of the University of Maine System Board of Trustees, said the board accepted the chancellor's resignation "with deep regret."
"The Board of Trustees is very pleased with the job he's done," said Johnson. "He's done a tremendous job for the system and the state."
Johnson said he was not surprised by the chancellor's decision.
"At the last Board of Trustees' meeting he indicated that he achieved much of what we wanted him to accomplish, and he indicated a desire to return to teaching," said Johnson. "We were aware of what he was planning to do and were working with him."
The chairman said the Board would have an interim chancellor in place by July 1, and a national search will take place over the summer.
Other members of the Board of Trustees positively viewed the chancellor's tenure.
"I believe the chancellor leaves the system in better condition than he found it, said Trustee Gregory Cyr. "He has done an excellent job for the University System and for the state. I'm sad to see him leave that position, but I understand and respect his decision to return to teaching and research."
Westphal, who has held the post since April 2005, also announced he has accepted a professorship within the university system and will return to full-time teaching.
"After many years of leading large and complex organizations, I want to use my energy in new ways to contribute to this university system and Maine," said Westphal. "I want to fulfill some personal goals that rely on the many incredible experiences I have been fortunate to have had in my career, and returning to a full-time faculty position will enable me to pursue those objectives."
UMaine President Robert Kennedy was disappointed to hear about the chancellor's resignation.
"I've worked closely with Joe Westphal for many years, and I appreciate his creativity, his energy and his strong commitment to public higher education," said Kennedy. "Maine is a better place because of his leadership."
Charles Johnson, chairman of the University of Maine System Board of Trustees, said the board accepted the chancellor's resignation "with deep regret."
"The Board of Trustees is very pleased with the job he's done," said Johnson. "He's done a tremendous job for the system and the state."
Johnson said he was not surprised by the chancellor's decision.
"At the last Board of Trustees' meeting he indicated that he achieved much of what we wanted him to accomplish, and he indicated a desire to return to teaching," said Johnson. "We were aware of what he was planning to do and were working with him."
The chairman said the Board would have an interim chancellor in place by July 1, and a national search will take place over the summer.
Other members of the Board of Trustees positively viewed the chancellor's tenure.
"I believe the chancellor leaves the system in better condition than he found it, said Trustee Gregory Cyr. "He has done an excellent job for the University System and for the state. I'm sad to see him leave that position, but I understand and respect his decision to return to teaching and research."
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