MCLA Presidential Pick Staying in Wisconsin
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — MCLA's choice for its 12th president will not be accepting the position.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts announced on Tuesday that Greg Summers has bowed out because of personal issues.
"Dr. Summers was deeply apologetic as he was very impressed with the MCLA community. Unfortunately his family is dealing with a confluence of health issues that have recently surfaced, making it impossible for him and his family to relocate. The board was excited to have found someone of the caliber of Dr. Summers, however, we will take this in stride as MCLA is a well-led and well-managed institution," said Tyler Fairbank, chairman of college's board of trustees.
Summers was the unanimous choice of the trustees on March 5; each trustee gave him high marks, referring to his "fierce commitment to public higher education" and his easy relationship with MCLA community.
He was also approved by the Board of Higher Education a few days later and was expected to start in his new post later this year. He is currently provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point
Summers was one of three finalists selected from an initial 59 candidates after about a five-month search.
Fairbank said the board "will be evaluating options moving forward." Cynthia Farr Brown will continue as interim president, a post she's held since the departure of President Mary Grant last fall to her new job as chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Asheville.
"MCLA remains in an excellent position to manage this process," Fairbank said. "We have an outstanding, committed senior team, faculty, staff, and supportive community coupled with an experienced and engaged board of trustees and foundation board of directors."
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