PEORIA, Ill. – Bradley University will be looking for a new president.
The university has announced that Stephen Standifird is resigning from the position, effective June 15th, nearly four years to the day he started the job.
The university’s current Board of Trustees chair Jonathan Michael will serve as the interim president, with Vice Chair Matthew Vonachen will serve as the Board Chair.
“Serving as the President of Bradley University has been an incredible honor and privilege,” said Dr. Standifird. “Together, we have navigated numerous challenges and celebrated many successes. I am proud of what we have accomplished and am confident that Bradley University will continue to thrive and achieve great things in the future.”
Standifird received a ‘no confidence’ vote by Bradley’s faculty senate after his proposal this past November to cut programs and staff to save $13 million. Students, staff, faculty, and alumni protested the cuts.
The university says a comprehensive national search will take place to find a new president.
Prior to the announcement, Standifird sent an email to the Bradley community to announce his intentions to step down.
“Dear Bradley Campus Community,
I am writing to inform you of a significant decision I have made regarding my tenure as President of Bradley University.
After much reflection and consideration, I have decided to resign from my position as President, effective June 15. This has been an incredibly challenging decision, but I believe it is the right one for me and the institution at this time. Jonathan Michael, the current Chair of the Board of Trustees, will step in to serve as Interim President.
Serving as your President has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career. Together, we have navigated numerous challenges and celebrated many successes. I am deeply proud of the progress we have made during the past four years, including creating a more inclusive campus, introducing a number of new programs that respond to the needs and desires of today’s students, and creating the nation’s first 5G Digitally Connected Campus.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Board of Trustees, the administration, faculty, staff, and especially our students, for their support and dedication during my tenure. The Bradley community’s commitment to excellence and innovation gives mec confidence that Bradley will continue to thrive and achieve great things in the future.
I will work closely with Interim President Michael to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities. In the meantime, Board Vice Chair Matthew Vonachen will perform the duties of the Board Chair. We are all committed to ensuring continuity across university operations.
Interim President Michael and the Board of Trustees will soon begin the search for a new president. I am committed to supporting this process to ensure that Bradley University continues on its path of success.
Thank you once again for the opportunity to serve this remarkable institution. I will always cherish my time at Bradley and look forward to watching its continued growth and achievements from a new vantage point.
The Board of Trustees and I agree, the future of Bradley is very bright – because of the commitment you and others demonstrate to its work every day.
Sincerely,
Stephen Standifird
President”
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