Prior to the Board of Regents meeting June 15, Eastern Michigan University President Samuel A. Kirkpatrick announced his decision to resign from the presidency effective July 31, 2004.
Kirkpatrick, who joined Eastern Michigan May 15, 2000, as the University's 19th president, told the crowd of approximately 100 that he had accepted a position as a senior fellow with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) in Washington, D.C. Kirkpatrick said he will start his new post sometime in August.
"Pam and I will depart with great respect for the many fine professional colleagues who have served us and the institution so well, (and) for the students and their leaders who keep us focused on learning," Kirkpatrick said.
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KIRKPATRICK RESIGNS: Eastern Michigan
University President Samuel A. Kirkpatrick
announced his resignation during the June
15 Board of Regents meeting. |
Citing a personal and professional commitment he made upon arriving at EMU to enhance the University's quality; design and implement a strategic plan; and develop its national visibility as a model for the new "new metropolitan university," Kirkpatrick noted that much had been accomplished over four years.
"All of the elements of institutional success have materialized with great collegial energy," Kirkpatrick said. "And we have achieved our successes at a rate uncommon for public universities, especially during a time of severely constrained state resources."
Several key areas of institutional development since 2000 include major transformations in information and communications technology, human resource development, fundraising and alumni affairs, and continuous quality improvement.
Two new doctoral programs, four master's degree programs and growth in the University's research profile bolstered its academic areas. New transfer and commuter centers, the design of a new student center, and the expansion of student housing and leadership programs were cited as significant events.
"The area where we have made the most rapid progress is public engagement and outreach," Kirkpatrick said. "Our academic service-learning programs, student volunteerism, and new applied research and service centers have strengthened student learning and improved our communities."
During a press conference after the Regents meeting, Kirkpatrick said he had been in serious discussions with AASCU "during the last few weeks." Prior to coming to EMU, Kirkpatrick worked as a senior fellow at AASCU from 1998-2000. During that time, he chaired an action agenda task force, which included an emphasis on public engagement.
"My commitment to this national movement is deep and abiding," Kirkpatrick said. "I was pleased to be invited to join the Association as a senior fellow in the nation's capital to continue work on this important area and to pursue related topics on changes in higher education."
Kirkpatrick said he is excited about the opportunity to work on a "stewardship of place" project that will be used to develop models at universities and piloted around the country.
When asked at the press conference whether his leaving had anything to do with the ongoing controversy over University House, Kirkpatrick said, "There are controversies over so many things. There's no good time to resign. Obviously, there were tensions with University House. It's in our past. It's behind us," he said.
Kirkpatrick added he was not resigning due to the pending results of the University House audit conducted by the State Auditor General's Office. Board of Regents Chair Philip Incarnati said Kirkpatrick was not asked to resign.
In accepting Kirkpatrick's resignation, Incarnati said, "One of the many things that attracted us to Dr. Kirkpatrick during his candidacy for the presidency was his passion and vision for metropolitan universities. It's not surprising that he would find this opportunity to influence thinking and policy regarding metropolitan universities at the national level very attractive professionally. The University is most appreciative of the many contributions made by the president and his spouse, and we wish them well."
Under Kirkpatrick's leadership, EMU assumed responsibility for administering the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU), an association of 73 higher education institutions committed to civic engagement. He was one of the founders of the Coalition nearly 15 years ago, and currently serves as chair of the Commission on the Urban Agenda for the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges (NASULGC).
Kirkpatrick admitted he was concerned about EMU continuing as CUMU headquarters, which has been located here since 2003. Eastern Michigan University hosted the organization's annual conference last fall.
"That's one of my worries. We do have a responsibility for 73 other universities," he said. "I hope there are conditions under which it (CUMU) can stay here. The coalition would have to endorse keeping it here."
Kirkpatrick said he hopes his legacy at EMU will be seen as helping shape the direction of the University through strategic planning.
"I hope that strategic planning process stays in place. Whether my successor keeps it in the same way, that's up to him or her," Kirkpatrick said.
While Kirkpatrick will physically be in Washington, D.C., he will serve EMU as an adviser in its transition process. The transition arrangement, as approved by the regents, includes the following:
- A two-year sabbatical with presidential pay of more than $514,000, excluding benefits. During his first year of the sabbatical, Kirkpatrick will serve as a senior fellow with AASCU. During both years of the sabbatical, Kirkpatrick will be available to the Board of Regents chair to assist with transition issues and to complete developmental and strategic planning assignments. His title will be "senior executive to the board."
"For a two-year time period, Dr. Kirkpatrick will be available as a special adviser to the Board," Incarnati said.
- Under the compensation package, Kirkpatrick will receive his salary for each of the next two years. His current salary is $222,000. In addition, Kirkpatrick, under the terms of his contract, receives 10 percent of his salary in deferred compensation each May after completing the year as president. As part of the transition agreement negotiated with the Board of Regents, Kirkpatrick will be paid the 10 percent in 2005 and 2006. Over two years, the deferred compensation totals $44,400.
- Kirkpatrick will be provided transition assistance in the amount of $25,000 to support his sabbatical and relocation expenses and keeps a laptop computer.
- At the end of the two-year sabbatical, Kirkpatrick will relinquish both his role as senior executive to the board and the title of professor of political science.
- After the two-year sabbatical, the University will provide health insurance support to Kirkpatrick and his wife until they qualify for Medicare or otherwise become eligible for health care insurance under another employer-sponsored plan.
During the press conference, Incarnati said that the Board will use the next 45 days to identify an interim president who will serve until a new president is selected. He hopes to have an interim president in place by July 31.
"As for a process for finding an interim president, we've not fully determined that," Incarnati said. "None of us has been in that position before."
Incarnati did say, speaking for himself, that the ability to execute strategic planning will be a priority when assessing who will become EMU's next president.
