DePauw President to Step Down Next Year
(photo courtesy of DePauw University)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe president of DePauw University has announced plans to resign. Mark McCoy, who has served in the role since 2016, will end his tenure at the university at the end of the 2019-2020 academic year.
McCoy did not provide a specific reason for his decision. He has been with DePauw since 2011, when he served as dean of the School of Music. During his time as president, McCoy led the launch of the university’s Gold Commitment and has overseen the Campaign for DePauw fundraising effort.
"I have loved my time at DePauw as dean and president," McCoy said in a news release. "I remain in awe of our faculty, staff, students and alumni and will treasure the relationships developed here for a lifetime. I am also proud of the administrative team and our focus on building a strong foundation for the continued investment in our student experience, people and campus. At this time, I believe that new leadership can build on this stronger foundation and I’m committed to working hand-in-hand with the board, faculty, staff and alumni to not only ensure a smooth transition but equip the next president of DePauw to capitalize on the progress we’ve made and the foundation-building we’ve undertaken together."
In November, the DePauw faculty approved a vote of no confidence in McCoy, the first time such a vote had been made in the school’s 180-year history. The vote cited concerns over the university’s academic mission and cutbacks to employee health coverage.
Kathy Patterson Vrabeck, chair of the DePauw Board of Trustees, says the board will immediately begin to develop a transition plan, including a national search for McCoy’s successor. Vraback thanked McCoy for his service to the university.
"The trustees accept Dr. McCoy’s resignation with regret and deep gratitude for his selfless contributions to DePauw. In partnership with the Board, he has undertaken necessary strategic change to strengthen our academic and financial future, while launching critical, ongoing initiatives to ensure student well-being and success. He will soon oversee the completion of what promises to be the largest fundraising campaign in DePauw history, and his leadership will remain critical in the coming year as the University makes significant investments in a new first-year residence hall and plans for renovations to the library."
In February, the university announced a restructuring plan that would eliminate more than 70 jobs. McCoy and Vrabeck said at the time the move would ensure the university achieves its vision.