Dr. Robert Sternberg, president of the University of Wyoming, today announced that he will resign his position.
“I care a great deal about this university,” Sternberg said. “And I have come to realize that as wonderful as the University of Wyoming is, it may not be the best fit for me as president. So I tendered my resignation today to the Board of Trustees.”
Board President David Bostrom said, “At a meeting of the board today, we accepted Bob’s resignation with understanding, but appreciate his sensitivity to the overall needs of the university and its future. We are grateful for what Bob has done for our institution and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.
“The board fully accepts and endorses the personnel changes and changes in direction at the university that have taken place in the last several months that emphasize and reinforce the university’s land-grant mission with service to the people of Wyoming, its state government and the economy.”
Sternberg became UW’s president on July 1 under a three-year contract with an annual base salary of $425,000. His resignation is effective Dec. 31. Under the terms of his departure, he will be paid $325,000 for the following year.
In accordance with university regulations, the vice president for academic affairs, Dr. Dick McGinity, will perform the duties of president, effective immediately.
“The board has complete confidence in Dr. McGinity and his team to carry on the administrative functions of the university and move the institution forward while we consider how to proceed with a presidential search,” Bostrom said. “We also are confident that members of the university community will pull together to assure that UW continues to deliver top-notch education to its students, important research and service to Wyoming and the world.”
McGinity became the university’s interim vice president for academic affairs in September, after serving as UW’s Bill Daniels Chair of Business Ethics since 2007.
After earning his undergraduate degree from Princeton and graduate degrees (MBA, DBA) from Harvard, McGinity pursued a career in venture capital and private equity.
In addition to serving as a UW faculty member, his public service includes more than seven years as a director of the Wyoming Business Council, including co-chair in 2004-05, and five years as a naval aviator during which he served in Vietnam, earning two air medals.
McGinity has a home in Crowheart. He loves being in the wilderness on horseback and is a licensed professional guide.
