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July 12, 2007
TO: The Vanderbilt Community
It is with great regret but equally great appreciation that the Board of Trust accepted Gordon Gee's decision to leave Vanderbilt for Ohio State. We thank him for seven years of distinguished service, and for his energy, zeal and creativity. Vanderbilt is a much better institution today than it was when Chancellor Gee arrived, and he has given us a new and strong foundation on which to build a world-class university of the future.
The Executive Committee of the Board of Trust today voted to appoint Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Nicholas S. Zeppos as the Interim Chancellor, effective August 1. Provost Zeppos currently serves as Vanderbilt's chief academic, development, alumni relations and student affairs officer, with broad responsibility for resource management. He also chairs the university's Integrated Planning Budgeting Council and has led the very successful Shape the Future campaign.
Provost Zeppos is a dynamic, passionate executive, manager and leader whose commitment to every part of Vanderbilt's mission is total. He has great rapport with faculty, students, staff, parents, alumni and friends, many of whom have contacted me over the past 24 hours with their support for him. The Board of Trust has great confidence in his ability to maintain our remarkable momentum, and to be a fair and inclusive advocate for all areas at Vanderbilt, including our academic programs and medical center.
We are grateful to Provost Zeppos for taking on this new responsibility. We are also grateful to Vice Chancellors Harry Jacobson, David Williams, Lauren Brisky, Mike Schoenfeld and Bill Spitz for their commitment to Vanderbilt during this transition and beyond, and to our deans and leaders throughout the institution for their stewardship.
The Executive Committee also began planning for a national search to select the eighth Chancellor of Vanderbilt University. This will be a thorough, comprehensive and inclusive process that will engage many members of the Vanderbilt community. Those discussions will continue next week, and I will be reporting to you on the progress of this vitally important effort.
Vanderbilt is a great university today, and will be an even greater university tomorrow. Our best days are ahead of us. I thank you for all that you do.
FROM: Martha R. Ingram Chairman, Vanderbilt University Board of Trust