UW News

April 27, 2010

Statement from UW Board of Regents Chair Herb Simon

News and Information

Events like this bring very mixed emotions. The Board of Regents is saddened that Mark Emmert is leaving the University. He has been an exceptional leader, and the University despite the challenging economic times has made great strides forward. It is a great loss for our UW community and all of higher education in Washington.


We recognize that the NCAA presidency is a unique opportunity. It is the only organization of its kind, national in scope, and we feel the only type of opportunity that could possibly lure Mark away from his alma mater. The nation’s gain is our loss. We want to thank Mark for his work on behalf of this great university and wish him and DeLaine the very best as he takes on this next challenge in his very distinguished career.


The Board will be naming an interim president to serve when Mark officially assumes his new responsibilities and during the search for his successor. We will be appointing soon a search committee to undertake the task of finding the next president of the UW. The University, even under its current state budgetary distress, is in remarkable shape: strong, innovative, and determined. The Board of Regents is committed to finding the best person in the world to lead this outstanding institution.