WSU President Jay Noren Resigns
The head of Wayne State University has announced his resignation. Dr. Jay Noren said, Tuesday, he'll leave his position as WSU's president August 6th for personal reasons. Noren has been Wayne State's 10th president since August 1, 2008, after a distinguished career in higher education at a number of prominent universities.
"Two years ago, when I began my tenure as president of Wayne State, I said that this leadership position is perhaps the most exciting opportunity in higher education today," said Noren. "
I continue to believe that. However, personal issues during this past year have become increasingly important and are fundamental to my decision to resign."
In a message to campus, Noren noted, "When my wife Sheri and I decided to take demanding positions in separate cities (Sheri is provost at Illinois State University), we anticipated it would be personally challenging. However, we did not anticipate Sheri's breast cancer diagnosis, which has dramatically increased those challenges this past year. She is now doing well, with successful chemotherapy and an excellent prognosis," he said.
"Nonetheless, though I will miss participating in and observing the realization of Wayne State's huge potential, this transition will enhance our personal lives significantly," Noren said.
Dr. Phyllis Vroom, Dean of the School of Social Work and currently acting provost, will be acting president pending the Board's appointment of an interim president.
In a release, WSU said The Board of Governors will immediatelybegin a national search for a permanent successor.
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