Dr. Marvalene Hughes, president of California State University, Stanislaus, has withdrawn as a candidate for the presidency of the University of Tennessee.
Hughes and three other candidates were selected Saturday by a UT board of trustees’ search committee as candidates to succeed Dr. Joe Johnson, who is retiring June 30.
“It is only because of my commitment to my current post as president of California State University, Stanislaus, that I must request withdrawal of my name from your list of finalists,” Hughes wrote in a letter to the university.
She cited her involvement in a fund-raising campaign and news of the reaccreditation of CSUS as reasons for her decision not to seek the UT position.
“The search committee regrets that Dr. Hughes has decided to withdraw as a candidate for the UT presidency,” Bill Sansom, chairman of the search committee, said.
“She has an impressive record of academic leadership. We extend our best wishes to her as she continues in her position as president at California State, Stanislaus.”
Interviews continue through Wednesday with the three other candidates, Dr. James Walker, president of Middle Tennessee State University; Dr. George Emert, president of Utah State University; and Dr. J. Wade Gilley, president of Marshall University.
As a result of Hughes’ cancellation, two changes in the interview schedule have been made. The advisory committee will meet at 4 p.m., Tuesday, in the board room, 800 Andy Holt Tower. The search committee will join the advisory committee for casual dinner at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, at Club LeConte.
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