By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – The man named to serve as UB's interim president is stepping aside.
UB vice president Scott Nostaja was named by the UB council chairman and UB president John Simpson. Simpson will retire in January.
In an email issued this afternoon, Nostaja said he has asked that his name not put forward to the Board of Trustees at this time.
"I've appreciated the many expressions of support I've received from faculty, staff, alumni, and community leaders. At the same time, I recognize that some members of the University would like to have given their views as this recommendation was being considered," said Nostaja.
"I have asked that my name not be put forward to the Board of Trustees at this time in order to give our faculty, staff and students the opportunity to provide input into the priorities facing the university, and the qualities, characteristics, qualifications and experiences necessary to fill the post of interim president, said Nostaja.
The appointment was under fire by some members of the University community who did not feel Nostaja has the proper academic credentials for the post.
Notasja also wrote that the campus needs to focus on attracting and selecting the best possible candidates to serve as the 15th president. His appointment was under fire by some members of the University community he did not feel Nostaja has the proper academic credentials for the post.
"I'm pleased that the search process will commence shortly, and I know that there will be broad-based consultation to give all stakeholder groups a voice in this process," said Nostaja.