Oct 12, 2012
Statement of President Robert A. Kennedy Regarding his Resignation
Board of Regents for Higher Education President Robert A. Kennedy announced his resignation this morning, effective immediately.
“After taking some time to think about what is in the best interest of our state and this new organization, our colleges and universities, the faculty, staff, presidents and, of course, our students, I have decided to submit my resignation to Board Chairman Lewis J. Robinson this morning. I do so with a heavy heart, understanding that this isn’t the way in which I thought my tenure would end in Connecticut, but also with a great deal of optimism that, ultimately, the Board of Regents for Higher Education will succeed greatly in its efforts to move a change agenda focused on preparing students for the global economy in which they will compete, and becoming a critical partner in the state’s workforce development efforts.
“The issues with which we’ve dealt over the past few days have become a distraction to that important work, and, as an educator all my life, the most important thing to me is the success and support of our students. For that reason, I believe my resignation will allow the critical issues of the Board and its agenda to be addressed in a different light than they might otherwise be.
“I’d like to thank Governor Malloy for allowing me this opportunity. Over the past year, I have been overwhelmed by the dedication of the presidents, faculty and staff on the campuses and central office, the members of the Board of Regents, and greatly impressed by the caliber of our students. These people are truly the reason why I know this change agenda will succeed for the betterment of our students and the state.”