Wight Announces Plans to Step Down
Dear Faculty and Staff,
When I came to Weber State five years ago, I established five priorities for my presidency:
- Keep college affordable
- Build a level of diversity at WSU that reflects the diversity of our community
- Maintain beautiful and sustainable campuses
- Leverage innovative teaching methods for student success
- Build and maintain great community relationships
There’s more work to be done, but, working together as a team, we have progressed significantly in all of these areas. I am especially proud of our major strides in developing a campus climate that is truly welcoming to all students. The university is in great shape, more students are choosing to study at WSU than ever before, and those who do are experiencing greater levels of success.
One of the most difficult decisions any president has to make is choosing the best time to move on. I truly love this institution, and our time here has brought much joy for Victoria and me. But I have decided that the time has come for us to seek a new adventure, so I am announcing today my plans to step down from my role as president at the end of the current academic year.
I am a candidate in presidential searches at several other universities around the country. Some of them are confidential searches, while others are quite public. Because my candidacy at one of these universities may soon become public, I decided to share this with you now, so you can hear it from me rather than from some other source. An announcement at this time also enables the Board of Regents to initiate a search for the next president. While I am still president, however, I intend to continue to lead this institution to the best of my abilities.
Weber State is a special, even magical, place. Everyone here understands our mission and comes to campus each day eager to work on a team that is fulfilling that mission. Victoria and I will remember with fondness the many stories from alumni who are grateful to the faculty, staff and coaches who went out of their way to provide the help, advice and guidance required to foster fantastically successful people. This kind of positive institutional culture is rare among universities, and it has been an honor to lead an institution so unified in its commitment to educating students and preparing them to do good in the world.
Thank you for your warmth, compassion and support during the past five years. I wish you continued success in the future. Always remember what you do here at Weber State University: You enable students from all walks of life, from all backgrounds and experiences, to achieve their dreams.
That mission is bigger than any one of us, but Weber State owes its success to each of you. Regardless of who leads this institution, I know you will continue to make Weber State great, great, great
With gratitude and best wishes,
Chuck
Charles Wight, President
801-626-6001 • cwight@weber.edu- Contact:
Allison Barlow Hess, Public Relations director
801-626-7948 • ahess@weber.edu