Teresa Sullivan To Step Down Aug. 15 as U.Va. President

June 10, 2012 — The Board of Visitors and President Teresa A. Sullivan today mutually agreed that Sullivan will step down as president of the University of Virginia effective Aug. 15.    

Rector Helen E. Dragas said, "We express our deep appreciation to President Sullivan for her effective stewardship of the University. She is a much respected educator, as well as a visible presence in the University community and a prominent voice in higher education."

"It's been a great honor to serve as president of the University of Virginia," Sullivan said. "Although the board and I have a philosophical difference of opinion, I will always treasure having had the opportunity to work with so many gifted faculty and staff, talented students and loyal alumni. I am also grateful for the privilege to have worked with our extraordinary vice presidents and deans."
 
For the past year, the board has had ongoing discussions about the importance of developing, articulating and acting on a clear and concrete strategic vision. "In a rapidly changing and highly pressurized external environment in both health care and in academia," Dragas said, "we believe that the University needs to remain at the forefront of change."
 
The board expects to move expeditiously to name an interim president and to begin a search for a new leader.

Dragas added, "The board remains guided by Mr. Jefferson’s founding vision: 'The great object of our aim from the beginning has been to make this Establishment the most eminent in the United States.' "

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