Breaking—President Oliver reveals 2016-17 to be his final year
JACOB BELGUM
After 25 years of involvement with the school, Augustana University President Rob Oliver said this academic year will be his last.
Oliver emailed Augustana faculty and staff Monday morning about a surprise announcement. At 4 p.m. in the Chapel Monday afternoon, he revealed the reason behind the meeting, saying “There’s never an easy time to leave, but the time does come.”
Oliver said that his recent grandfatherhood convinced he and his wife, Angela, that the time to exit was now.
“Meanwhile, we have work to do,” he said, before ending with his seven-minute speech with gratitude: “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, all of you.”
He stepped off the pulpit to a minute-long standing ovation from the more than 100 faculty and staff in attendance.
Oliver will remain president until July 31, 2017. Meanwhile, a national search for his successor is already underway.
