|
 Although
the ink is barely dry on a new state law giving university
boards of trustees broad new powers, the UNF board is embarking
on one of its most important responsibilities - selecting
a new president. The process began on June 20, when President
Anne H. Hopkins stunned nearly everyone by announcing that
she was resigning effective Aug. 2 for health reasons. Her
action set in motion the calling of an emergency meeting of
the board to embark on the transition process.
Carol Thompson, chairperson of the Board of Trustees, is
leading the university through the process of naming interim
leadership and taking the necessary steps to select a successor.
Thompson expressed confidence that the professionalism of
the faculty and staff at UNF would assure smooth operations
as the transition process unfolds.
Thompson was among a handful of individuals who knew what
was coming when the board convened on the 20th to consider
a full agenda which included tuition increases, budget requests
and a strategic plan. At the end of the meeting, she turned
to Hopkins and gave her the floor for her unexpected announcement.
Repeatedly fighting to maintain her composure, Hopkins then
delivered what was undoubtedly the most difficult speech she
has made since becoming president in 1999. "I have very high
expectations of myself and am not able to maintain a pace
commensurate with my responsibilities," she said in her prepared
statement. "I have agonized over what is right to do for the
University of North Florida and myself. This is an intensely
personal decision.
"As most of you know, I have undergone two major surgeries
in less than 14 months. Both were fully medically successful
and most recently my heart surgery 'fixed' my heart problems...Health
is not just about getting that which is broken fixed. It is
about taking the time to care for oneself and living a life
that is consistent with continuing to lead a healthy life.
I want to live as long and productive a life as possible.
Knowing the right time to change the course of one's life
is not easy nor is it easy to pull away from a life I love.
"Everyone at UNF has been remarkably understanding and has
pitched in with incredible levels of effort to enable me to
continue. I thank all who have helped me at UNF and who have
reached out to me with full hearts but especially those that
work with me most closely."
When she finished, the board members and the audience gave
her an extended standing ovation.
Thompson then acknowledged the board's feelings by indicating
how deeply saddened they were by the resignation but understanding
of the medical circumstances that prompted it. "I know this
was hard for you because of your great commitment to UNF.
We are indebted to the leadership you have provided during
this transition period from the Board of Regents to individual
boards of trustees. We look forward to having you remain in
a teaching position on campus and to your continued involvement
in the community," she said.
After a one-year leave of absence, Hopkins will return to
UNF as a professor of political science, her area of expertise
before she entered university administration.
Her decision to resign comes after a painful realization
that she was not able to continue the demanding schedule of
a university president and maintain her health. In February
she underwent successful open heart surgery to repair a heart
valve problem. She returned to work in April after two months
of medical leave. Hopkins is UNF's fourth president being
named in November, 1998 to succeed Dr. Adam Herbert. One of
her final acts as UNF's president will be delivering remarks
and handing out diplomas at the summer commencement on Aug.
2
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