The Arizona Board of Regents has filled in some dates in the search for a new University of Arizona president to take the place of Ann Weaver Hart.
Hart, who’s tenure has been punctuated by several controversies, won’t extend her contract when it is up in 2018.
The regents will hire a consultant and select members of a search committee in the first half of September, the statement said, and will release a “leadership profile” for candidates around Sept. 22.
While the board has until 2018 to find a new president, regents’ Chair Greg Patterson said they’ll likely find a replacement by next summer.
Hart, who became UA president in July 2012, has drawn criticism for taking a board position with DeVry Education Group - a private higher-education company - and a decision to move her office to the Old Main Building on campus, which was unpopular with donors at the UA Foundation, according to reports.
Earlier this year, Hart made no mention of the controversies when announcing her decision not to extend her contract, calling it "a natural choice and one that all of us must make some time in our lives. I am excited for the years ahead working on behalf of this great university."
Several university leaders were quick to announce their support for Hart following the announcement.
"Fundamentally, I think the university is in a better place than it was when she came," said Lynn Nadel, chairman of the Faculty Senate and a professor of psychology. "She deserves credit for a lot of positive things that have happened, and I just hope it can continue."
Visit the regents' website for the search for a new UA president.
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