Ohio University President M. Duane Nellis sent the following message to OHIO faculty and staff on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017.
Dear Colleagues,
As we part for winter break, I want to share with you how grateful Ruthie and I feel to be part of this amazing, vibrant, and welcoming University community. One of the first people that we connected with when we began our transition was Dr. David Descutner.
Following his service as Interim President, I asked him to continue to work with me by serving as Interim Executive Vice President and Provost, and he generously agreed to do so. But now is a time for another transition for Dr. Descutner. He has made the difficult decision to step down from his role as Interim Executive Vice President and Provost due to a personal medical situation that requires his full attention for a complete recovery. His last official day will be December 31. I ask you to join me in sending him get well wishes while respecting his and his family’s privacy.
David is a valued colleague and a dear friend to me and many others within our University and broader communities. He is a part of the fabric of Ohio University and is a person who is part of so many people’s personal stories of professional growth and success – be it a student, faculty member, staff, or administrator. He has provided leadership and direction that has steered our University through high seas and calm waters. I am grateful for his leadership, counsel, partnership, friendship, and passion for Ohio University’s students, faculty, staff, and alumni. And I know that we will continue to benefit from his intellect, care, and wisdom in other ways now and into the future.
Early in the New Year, I will announce our pathway forward for ensuring continuity and leadership of our academic core during this transition and search for our next Executive Vice President and Provost.
Please join me in thanking Dr. Descutner for his service as Provost and for his passion for our great University.
Sincerely,
M. Duane Nellis, Ph.D.
President