The University of Virginia’s first female president announced Sunday that she would be stepping down from her office, effective Aug. 15.
In a joint statement from Teresa Sullivan and the university’s Board of Visitors, the decision was said to have been “mutually agreed” upon. However, Ms. Sullivan stated that she and the board had a “philosophical difference of opinion.”
University Rector Helen E. Dragas thanked Ms. Sullivan for her work, but added that the school “needs to remain at the forefront of change.”
Ms. Sullivan took office as the university’s 8th president on Aug. 1, 2010, just months after the high profile murder of university lacrosse player Yeardley Love.
Ms. Sullivan replaced John T. Casteen III, who served the university as president for 20 years.
An interim president is expected to be named quickly, as the board begins its new search for a replacement.
• Meredith Somers can be reached at msomers@washingtontimes.com.
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