UNM President David Schmidly officially announced he will step down from his position when his contract expires in 2012.
Schmidly announced he would not renew his contract next year during a breakfast meeting with business leaders.
In a University-wide e-mail at 10:40 a.m., Schmidly explained both his reasons for leaving and the timing of his announcement.
I know people will speculate about the role my health played in my decision,” he said. “I can tell you that I’m feeling fine and that health is not an issue. Rather my decision grew out of a sense of future and family. What I realize as I grow older is that I want to spend more time on things I treasure. I want to play with my grandchildren and enjoy my family. Once I fulfill my duties as president, I want to go back to teaching and doing the research I so love.”
The President said he decided to announce his resignation 13 months early in order to give the Board of Regents ample time to find a replacement. His five-year contract is set to expire in June 2012.
“Together we have worked hard during the past four years, and have built upon a remarkable institution. I expect no less for the fifth year, which I predict will be engaging and productive. I thank you for your support and look forward to the coming months.”
Schmidly earns more than $594,000 in salary and benefits and said he would like to return teaching after his teaching tenure ends.
