William Cooper Announces Decision to Step Down as President of the University of Richmond Effective June 2007
January 12, 2006
At today’s meeting of the University of Richmond’s Board of Trustees, President William E. Cooper announced his decision to step down as president effective June 30, 2007, and the board voted to honor his request. At that time, President Cooper will resume teaching and research as University Professor at Richmond.
“It is a singular privilege to have served as president since 1998. I am grateful for the dedicated efforts of all members of the university community,” said President Cooper. “Working together, we have achieved a great deal and have made key decisions that will continue to unlock Richmond’s full potential. In coming months, I look forward to working to fulfill the aims set forth in our strategic plan and laying the groundwork for future achievements. Let us join together in a spirit of friendship and appreciation for the opportunities we share in serving Richmond.”
Among President Cooper’s and his administration’s most notable achievements is the creation and implementation of an ambitious 10-year strategic plan. Only six years into the plan, 11 of 17 major initiatives have been brought to fruition. These key objectives include the development of one of the nation’s most comprehensive and generous need- and merit-based financial aid programs, the hiring of a significant number of additional faculty, the completion of several major capital projects, Richmond’s move to the top tier of the national liberal arts universities, and the establishment of an active Center for Civic Engagement.
President Cooper also has led the most successful fundraising campaign in the university’s history with 24,000 donors to date and 44 donors of one million dollars or more. The university has raised nearly $177 million toward its $200 million campaign which is not scheduled for conclusion until 2008. During Dr. Cooper’s tenure, the university garnered its first Rhodes Scholar winner in nearly 50 years. Scott Erwin received this prestigious international honor in fall 2005.
“The board offers its profound thanks to Dr. Cooper for his many significant contributions to the university,” said Otis D. Coston Jr., rector of the university. “Our task ahead is to continue to build on our considerable momentum and identify a worthy successor.”
The board also voted to reaffirm its support of the vision and strategic direction of the university as well as to immediately begin to assemble a committee to oversee a national search for candidates who share the university’s vision for academic excellence. Rector Coston has appointed trustee and former rector Robert L. Burrus, Jr., of Richmond, VA, as chair of the search committee.