John Delaney Recommended as President in Residence

Board of Governors chair recommends
UNF’s John Delaney as President in Residence

TALLAHASSEE – Board of Governors Chair Sheila M. McDevitt today announced she will recommend that in the short term, during a search for a new chancellor, the Board of Governors delegate some of the chancellor's duties to University of North Florida President John Delaney, who will serve the board as "President in Residence" while remaining as UNF president.

Delaney’s role as President in Residence would expire as soon as a new chancellor is in place. 

“With Chancellor Rosenberg’s departure in February, and with the legislative session coming soon after, I want to have trusted leadership in place to help the Board of Governors until a new chancellor can take office,” McDevitt said. “John Delaney has agreed to help in this way, with the understanding that he will remain as president of the University of North Florida.

“I am grateful to President Delaney and UNF for agreeing to assist the Board of Governors during this time of transition,” McDevitt said. “This is an important time for the board and for the State University System, and his service will be invaluable.”

McDevitt noted that the Chancellor Search Committee, at its first meeting Monday, indicated that the search for a replacement for Rosenberg would not be completed until the end of the current academic year.

McDevitt’s recommendation will go before the full Board of Governors when it meets November 20 in Tallahassee.  If this new temporary role is approved, then Delaney would assume his additional duties in February, when Rosenberg leaves after three years as chancellor.

Rosenberg announced September 22 that he would leave the Board of Governors staff to return to the faculty of Florida International University, where he was provost when recruited by the Board of Governors for the chancellor’s post. Rosenberg’s last day as chancellor will be February 13.

Delaney said it was an honor to be asked to help the Board of Governors and the State University System. “UNF’s strategy in Tallahassee has always been consistent with the Board of Governors’ priorities, and our Board of  Trustees at UNF wants to assist the university system during this time in transition and budgetary climate,” said Delaney, who will not apply for the Chancellor’s position. “I look forward to working with the Legislature on behalf of all 11 institutions of the State University System.” 

McDevitt added that in order to comply with Florida law, which prohibits dual office-holding, other duties and responsibilities normally assigned to the chancellor will instead be delegated to senior staff. In addition, Delaney will receive no compensation from the Board of Governors for his role as President in Residence.