AKRON, Ohio - University of Akron President Matthew Wilson has decided to step down and rejoin UA's School of Law, effective July 31.
"After four years of intense commitment and with the confidence that UA is on the right track, I have decided to shift from my role as President to join the full-time faculty, effective July 31, 2018," Wilson wrote in a letter to the campus community Thursday. "This decision came after much thought and consideration and is based on a host of personal and family considerations. Pursuant to my agreement with UA, I intend at this time to return to my faculty position with Akron Law at a substantially reduced salary, in recognition of ongoing financial challenges for the University."
Wilson, who arrived at Akron in 2014 as dean of the law school, was appointed interim president in July 2016 for a term of 18 months. He replaced Scott Scarborough, who resigned as president in May 2016 after a tumultuous tenure.
Three months later, trustees named Wilson permanent president. Last fall trustees extended Wilson's contract through June 30, 2023. His contract allowed him to leave with a 120-day notice.
During his tenure, Wilson has engaged with constituencies, helped increase enrollment and stabilized a budget that had significant deficits, officials said.
It came as surprise to the faculty, staff, alumni and the campus community in February when it was learned Wilson had applied for the presidency of the University of Central Florida. He made it to the final four but was not chosen for the position.
"Over the past few weeks, there have been many conversations about what my inclusion as a finalist in the University of Central Florida presidential search might mean," Wilson wrote in his letter. "My sincerest apologies for any concern that this may have caused. With the search now complete, I want to address these conversations and talk about the future."
Wilson wrote that he was interested in the UCF presidency due "to our roots in the Orlando area and the opportunities associated with this once-in-a lifetime chance at the largest university in the country."
He wrote that in his four years at the university "it truly has been an honor to dedicate my heart, strength, soul, and mind to serving the institution in an effort to assist students, stabilize matters, overcome challenges, generate new opportunities, and lead UA to even greater heights."
He and his family "have tirelessly committed ourselves to UA and its success. Of course, the road has been very demanding, especially as we concurrently helped our youngest son successfully fight through a battle with an aggressive pediatric cancer."
Wilson, who has said he worked 20 hours a day and only needs four hours of sleep, often attended several UA events each night and has traveled extensively to meet with alumni and high school students.
The university had named Christopher J. (C.J.) Peters, the associate dean for faculty scholarship and a professor of law at the University of Baltimore School of Law, as dean of the law school last year.
Wilson told the board he wil voluntarily reduce his compensation when he returns to the faculty, the unviersity said. He currently earns $450,000 a year and his contract established an annual faculty salary of 65 percent of that - or $292,500. He asked for 65 percent of the $370,000 salary when he was initially named president, so he wil earn $240,500 a year.
"The board very much appreciates the time, energy and leadership President Wilson has provided to the university, as we have made significant progress on many different fronts to address the challenges we faced," trustee chairman Roland Bauer said in a statement. "He has put in place a number of initiatives that help distinguish UA and have moved us in the right direction. We respect his decision and wish him and his family well in this next chapter of their lives."
Bauer said that the four month notice will enable the board to work closely with university leadership to ensure a smooth transition.
"In the very near future, we will meet with representatives of key University constituencies to gain input on the appointment of an interim president," he said.
Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan issued a statement thanking Wilson.
"The University of Akron is a very important stakeholder in the economic, academic, and social well-being of this community and the region, and this is a critical time in its history," Horrigan said. "The success of our city is inextricably intertwined with the success of the University. Matt Wilson saw the importance of engaging and listening to University of Akron students. I applaud him for his efforts and wish him the best in his future endeavors. Now, it's time that our university invest in a national search to recruit the best possible candidate, one that can strategically align the university's priorities to focus on their core strengths and fiscal stability."