Following a recent mediation process, Dr. Philip Williams has decided to offer the Board of Trustees his resignation as president of the University of Montevallo effective July 31, 2010, according to a statement issued by university officials.
The statement said the agreement was reached last Friday and contained a response from Dr. Williams.
"I am very pleased that we have reached this agreement, which will allow me to resume and to complete the work I set out to do when this academic year began back in August. There is much remaining to be done, and I look forward to getting back to work on Jan. 4, 2010. I would like to acknowledge the support that I have received from so many members of the campus community, and I call upon all of them to now join with me in insuring a very positive outcome for this academic year now that the mediation process has been completed. The idea to engage the services of a mediator reflected the creative intelligence of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni. I have also greatly appreciated the commitment shown by the Board of Trustees during the mediation discussions, as well as the work of the mediator, Dr. Jim Fisher. All of us, working together, have demonstrated how much this wonderful university means to us, and how important it is to put the interests of our students first," said Dr. Williams.
"Notwithstanding the sincerity of those efforts, and after a great deal of soul-searching, I have reached the conclusion that the best interests of the University would be served by a fresh start. I believe the University would greatly benefit from the leadership of another president. I have therefore asked the Board of Trustees to accept my resignation from the Office of President of the University, effective July 31, 2010. During the spring semester, I will assist the Board, as it may request, in preparing the University for the transition to new leadership. I have every confidence that the reputation of the University of Montevallo will attract an outstanding pool of candidates and will continue its upward trajectory in the years to come," said Dr. Williams.
"I have enjoyed my time at Montevallo, and I look forward to completing a successful four-year term in July. I want to thank the Trustees for having the courage to offer me my first college presidency, and I hope that my performance here has justified the confidence that the Trustees showed in me in making that offer," said Dr. Williams.
The Board of Trustees will meet Nov. 25th to formally approve the agreement and take the first step in finding a successor.
"We look forward to the completion of another successful year for the University of Montevallo under the direction of Dr. Williams. He has proven to be an extraordinary president. He has, over the last three and one-half years, energized and excited students, faculty and staff. He has led and overseen important improvements, including the 2009 Strategic Plan, the construction of a new student dormitory, and the transition of athletic programs to the Peach Belt Conference. And he has served as an ambassador for our institution throughout the state, the nation, and, indeed, in China as well. Dr. Williams has set the bar high," said George Walker, chairman of the Board of Trustees for the University of Montevallo.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Terry G. Roberson also issued a statement.
"We are pleased that Dr. Williams and the University's Trustees havereached an agreement and that we can continue moving forward in the best interest of the University. I will be happy to continue working with Dr. Williams for the remainder of his time at Montevallo to achieve the goals the UM community has established to guide us for the rest of this academic year and for the future. Certainly, we all are grateful for the contributions that Dr. Williams has made to Montevallo, and we wish him the best in all his future endeavors," said Terry G. Roberson,
Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Some
students and faculty members are disappointed with the decision.
"I think most people feel the same way they are sad to see him go, but if that's what he wants then we need to respect his decision and we just wish him the best in whatever else he does," said UM Senior Casey Willis.
