President M. Duane Nellis' message to faculty and staff regarding presidential transition

The following message was sent to Ohio University faculty and staff on May 13, 2021.

Dear Colleagues:

I write to share that I have informed the Board of Trustees of my intention to transition out of my role as President of Ohio University effective June 30, 2021. As a tenured member of the faculty, I have decided to return to the important work of teaching, research and discovery – the very passions that motivated my career path in higher education a few decades ago.

It has been an honor and privilege to serve as OHIO’s 21st President, and this decision was not made lightly. The past year has been exceptionally difficult for our campuses, our communities, and for each of us personally. It has also afforded time for many of us to focus on our loved ones and to prioritize how we spend the time we have.

While I would have preferred to share this bittersweet news in-person, I have recorded a brief video message of thanks and support to the Ohio University community.

I am proud of everything that we have accomplished in the four years of my presidency, and I am confident that OHIO is positioned to continue the momentum that we have built together. 

I am grateful to the Board of Trustees for the opportunity to lead this extraordinary community and for their support throughout my presidency. The Board will launch a national search for OHIO's next President, and it is expected that an interim President will be named in the coming days.

I appreciate our dedicated faculty members who inspire and shape future generations of global leaders. I thank our staff, who often work behind the scenes to help elevate Ohio University as a national leader in so many ways.

This community supported and embraced Ruthie and me when we moved to Athens in 2017 and made us feel welcomed and at-home. We are proud to call ourselves Bobcats, and we look forward to making many new memories with all of you as we work together to prepare students for lifelong success.

Looking forward to seeing you on campus or in the Athens community in the future!

Sincerely,

M. Duane Nellis
President