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As you probably know, Wayne Clough announced his departure as President of Georgia Tech, as he takes over the troubled Smithsonian. Here's a good New York Times article on his background and what he's stepping into. Here is an email sent to students today about his successor:
BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF GEORGIA
Chancellor Erroll B. Davis, Jr.
270 Washington Street, S.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
March 18, 2008
Dear Faculty, Staff, Students, Alumni and Friends of Georgia Tech:
By now you have learned of President Clough's new role as Secretary of the Smithsonian, a position of tremendous international importance. We are thrilled that he was chosen for this post, and while we will miss him immensely, we know that this is a well- deserved honor and fitting recognition of his accomplishments.
Over the last thirteen years, President Clough has helped bring Georgia Tech to a new level of national and international prominence. We shall celebrate his numerous outstanding contributions to higher education over the coming months, as we say
farewell.
The greatest asset -- the sole asset -- of any college or university is its people. And while the president sets the focus and agenda for the institution, it is those who have chosen Tech as a place in which to exercise their individual talents that perform the work of the university and establish its reputation. Many of you have chosen Georgia Tech because of its growing reputation and in turn, each of
you makes invaluable contributions to that reputation.
Therefore, as the leadership transition moves forward, I just want to assure you that it will be done in ways that affirm and strengthen the importance of Georgia Tech's faculty and staff to the university's continued excellence.
A plan for transition is well underway, and our goal is to choose an Interim President for Georgia Tech within the next several weeks. This process will guarantee a smooth transition for all operations at the university.
In the short term, I will be reaching out to consult with a variety of people to help me decide who shall lead the university during this interim period. But, I would very much like to hear from you as well. Please send confidential nominations for candidates who might serve as Interim President directly to our Chief Academic Officer, Susan Herbst (susan.herbst@usg.edu), before noon on March 24th.
After we have gathered nominations and evaluated the candidates, the name of the Interim President will be announced as soon as possible.
As far as a national search for the 11th President of Georgia Tech, the details will be shared with you over the coming months. Generally, we will begin preparation for the search in the spring and commence formal solicitations for applications early in the fall, so that we have a new President in place as soon as practicable.
Please join me in congratulating Dr. Clough on an outstanding career as a scholar, institutional president, policy expert, and a leader in international higher education. We could not be more proud of him and the Georgia Tech community at this moment: A bright future for the University is a certainty.
With warmest regards,
Erroll B. Davis Jr.
Chancellor