News

University president chooses to stay at UM

Kennedy rescinds application to Kansas State

Posted on Feb. 12, 2009, at 12:00 a.m.

University of Maine President Robert Kennedy chose to remain in his position instead of pursuing a possible career as president of Kansas State University.

Kansas State had not made a choice between Kennedy and its other presidential candidate, Kirk H. Schulz. Kennedy chose to withdraw his application, despite still being a candidate.

“While I appreciated the opportunity to be considered for the Kansas State presidency,” Kennedy said in a UMaine press release, “I am delighted to be continuing in my role at the University of Maine. With challenges come opportunities, and I continue to believe that UMaine is well-positioned to build on its recent successes and continue as a unique, invaluable resource serving its students and the state.”

“He’s happy with the way this process has played out,” said Director of University Relations Joe Carr.

Kennedy is UMaine’s 18th president and has held the position since 2005.

“I look forward to working with Chancellor [Richard] Pattenaude, the Board of Trustees and all those who care deeply about our state’s future. We will continue to find ways to deliver on the promise that comes with our unique role as Maine’s flagship university,” Kennedy said in a press release.

Student desire for Kennedy to remain at UMaine had a factor in the president’s decision.

“The president made a point of saying to me that the student vote of confidence and the student interest made a huge difference; he felt very buoyed by that. And he felt a commitment from students, and I think he sensed that is not always something you would get at another campus,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Robert Dana. He was referring to a resolution passed during the Feb. 3 General Student Senate meeting that requested Kennedy stay at UMaine.

The Kansas State presidential search committee could not be reached for comment by press time.

Campus Currents: Robert Kennedy