University of Wyoming President Tom Buchanan told a gathering of University Faculty and Staff that he will retire in the Summer of 2013. Buchanan made the announcement during the annual state of the University speech.
“This will be my last year as President of UW. I will retire from the position of President about this time next year, at the end of the summer. And I want you to know that it has been my honor and privilege to serve the campus community and it really is a community. It’s been an amazing run, thank you and good afternoon. “
Buchanan received a standing ovation following his announcement. U-W Trustee President Dave Bostrom said that he tried to get Buchanan to change his mind, saying that he will go down as one of the great Presidents in UW history.
“One word…wow! Tom has led this institution seven years, going into the eighth year. And what he has done in bringing together the faculty, the staff and the state has been remarkable. He has been a great leader.”
Bostrom said a search will begin soon.
“The board of trustees will begin the process of the search to find the best individual to fill some very large shoes. And that will involve a committee of the board as well as people from outside the University. But it will be a search of the best of the best to bring into this job.”
Buchanan said he had a long list of priorities when he took over U-W almost eight years ago and he says he's accomplished most of the items on the list. Buchanan led the University during a massive renovation of the campus. During his tenure U-W has seen its funding from the legislature grow by 95 million dollars and tuition revenues have increased by 27 million dollars.
