October 12, 2012

GOV. MALLOY STATEMENT ON RECOMMENDATION OF PHILIP E. AUSTIN TO SERVE AS INTERIM PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today released the following statement in response to a vote by the members of the Board of Regents on Friday afternoon recommending Philip E. Austin to serve as Interim President of the Board of Regents.

"Dr. Austin is an outstanding choice by the Board of Regents. His reputation is beyond reproach, and he will bring much needed stability to the Board of Regents central office the first day he walks in the door. He's also the right person to make sure the reforms that have started to be implemented continue.

"He has substantial higher education experience and is well-known in Connecticut for the leadership and vision he executed during his eleven-year tenure as President of the University of Connecticut. He was instrumental in overseeing implementation of the UConn 2000 and 21st Century UConn programs, and most recently served with the leadership of the UConn Health Center during a period of transition.

"It's worth noting that he led UConn at a time when it was undergoing a period of unprecedented academic growth and transformation, significantly growing the academic size and strength of the student body and leading the school to be consistently ranked as a top public university in New England. Similar transformation efforts are underway at the Board of Regents, and Dr. Austin's experience will be invaluable.

"It is on the strength of our state's education system that we will build a skilled workforce, ensure that Connecticut is internationally recognized for the capabilities of its higher education institutions, and attract high-quality employers that will grow good-paying jobs with good benefits here at home.

"I'm confident Dr. Austin will work closely with each of the Board's members, legislative leaders, and the faculty, staff and students at each of the schools so that credibility can be restored to the central office and a unified vision for the schools reinvigorated.

"Upon receiving formal notification from the Board on their recommendation, I intend to appoint him to serve in this role."

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For Immediate Release: October 12, 2012

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