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Portland State University president Wim Wiewel announced today that he is stepping down next spring.
Citing his age and a desire to "pursue some other interests," Wiewel, 66, is leaving after nine years at the helm.
The announcement comes less than three months after Wiewel withdrew a controversial ballot measure that would have instituted a payroll tax on metro-area businesses to raise money for the university.
Donors to the university had criticized Wiewel's decision to push for the measure, particularly after $275,000 of the foundation money was used for the campaign.
Peter Nickerson, chair of the PSU Board of Trustees, praised Wiewel's vision.
"The contributions that Wim has made both to Portland State and the Portland community have been immeasurable," says Nickerson. "In my experience with Wim in my role as trustee, I've seen him be ahead of the curve on every major issue. Whether it was in developing a strategic plan, enhancing campus safety or working to create more scholarships for students, Wim was leading us."
Wiewel says he will take a year off, then return to teaching at PSU.
"I will take a year's sabbatical, then return as faculty in the College of Urban and Public Affairs," Wiewel tweeted. "The search for my replacement begins now."
A controversial provision of Wiewel's contract renewal last year gave him a paid sabbatical worth $213,689, even while he publicly claimed he was not getting a raise.
The full PSU press release is below:
Willamette Week