Miami University President David Hodge is retiring. In a note to students, faculty and staff Friday he writes:
Dear Colleagues, Earlier today at the Board of Trustees meeting I formally announced my plans to step down as Miami’s president at the end of June, 2016, completing ten years of service to the University. It seems impossible that Valerie and I have been here that long, but we are even more enthusiastic about Miami now than we were with the warm welcome we received when we first visited our campuses. We were drawn then to the extraordinary commitment to student success, to the personal relationships that create such a strong sense of community, to the shared aspirations to achieve the highest goals, and to an energetic student body. Our appreciation of these qualities has only deepened over the years. I made this announcement today so that there will be ample time to seek the next president for Miami. In the meantime, we will move forward with the same energy and drive until the transition takes place. In Miami 2020, we have a common vision and momentum that frame and encourage our collective efforts. And in this coming year we will have the additional impetus of our focus on creativity and innovation. Valerie and I look forward to all these efforts over the coming year and to the honor of working with you to continue to strengthen our university and its impact on those we serve. For love and honor, David Hodge
Other Miami News:
Miami University Trustees have approved a plan to make the regional campuses more autonomous. In a statement, the school says the "The underlying goal of the recommendations is to create a more distinct, impactful and fiscally viable unit that better serves the needs of the students and the region."
The board also approved a plan to raze Patterson Place in order to build a $3.5 million residence hall. Miami says the new 300-bed dorm is needed because of a projected shortfall in housing.
