his official notice to the UK community:
To all our loyal alumni and friends:
I held a press conference today announcing that June 30, 2011 will be my last day as President of the University of Kentucky.
This is a very difficult decision for Patsy and me. This University is the love of our lives, from the time we were undergraduates here and later during my time on the faculty. It has been an unbelievable honor to serve as President for the last 10 years. As I have said many times, this University is the essential institution to the future of our state, having the greatest capacity to improve the lives of Kentuckians, the strength of our communities, and the condition of Kentucky.
But 10 years is a long time. And the constant pressure and grind of a job that really is 24/7 has begun to take its toll. Our University needs and demands from its President a consistently high level of energy. To continue in this job without being able to give that level of effort would be a disservice to the institution I care about so much. So this is the right decision at the right moment.
I am proud of the accomplishments of this University over the last 10 years. We've made enormous progress - more Kentuckians enrolled, more research aimed at the tough problems facing our state, and greater outreach to touch the lives of every family and every community across our Commonwealth. And we've done it in spite of bad budgets and difficult challenges because of the faith and determination of students, faculty, and staff who have learned and worked and served here.
It's no secret that I've been frustrated with the economic and budget conditions that surround the University. But I have never been more confident in this University's ability to meet whatever challenges lie ahead and continue to make progress. The people of this University have the talent and energy to push our University - and therefore push our state - to new heights. Our alumni continue to support that mission. Together we've changed the way Kentuckians think about their state, their flagship university, and their future. We have helped them see what's possible. And we have helped them understand that the future of this University - their University - and the future of this state are one and the same.
Now, more than ever, we must continue to serve as a beacon of hope in a troubled time. There is much work still to do. That's what makes this decision very difficult. I want nothing more than for this University to continue to move forward and to continue to be a part of that. But the time has come for new leadership and energy and vision.
Patsy and I thank you for the privilege of leading this wonderful and essential institution.
Lee T. Todd, Jr.
President
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
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4 comments:
Down with the Corporate Model for UK. Cut by 50% the number of administrators. No more buildings until UK employees are paid a wage equal to HR's own wage scale (midpoint of your pay grade after 7 yrs in your job). Put to rest the TOP 20 plan. Best joke in Kentucky next to our inefective legislature. Will Patsy have to give back her car? Will Dr. Todd have a severence pay like Dr. Wethington where he gets 90% of his salary for life? Free Health care? More free cars?
If the Board of Trustee's votes to give Dr Todd the bonus over and beyond his normal salary I propose to organize a sick out in protest. Also I call for the resignation of all Trustees that vote for any additional payments to Dr Todd.
I think a sick out would get some attention. Might not do any good on this issue, but would show the Admin and the BOT we have had enough. just my .02
Or, we can all change our email signatures. After our name/dept affiliation, we can all list "cleaning lady" on the last line.
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