Texas Southern University President Dr. John Rudley announced that he is stepping down by the end of the 2015-2016 academic school year.
The announcement was made Saturday during his remarks at the TSU Winter commencement ceremony.
During his announcement, Rudley thanked former Board chairman Glenn O. Lewis for providing an opportunity for him to return to TSU in 2008 and for spearheading change and improvement. He also thanked his wife Docia for the support she has given him throughout his life and career as well as the Board of Regents who supported his decision making during contentious times. He plans to address the faculty, students, staff, and community partners in the coming months.
“When I arrived eight years ago, I always felt that I would come in with Obama and go out with him,” Rudley said. “Today, I know that my instincts were correct. I thank you all for your support during my time as president of Texas Southern University.”
Rudley will continue to tackle urgent issues affecting the university and push for a few needed changes as the Board of Regents commissions a search committee for his successor.
“On behalf of the TSU Board of Regents, I thank President Rudley for leading TSU for more than eight years,” said Board Chairman Derek Mitchell. “He has served the University well.”
Over the coming weeks Mitchell will appoint a transition team to work with Rudley in identifying his replacement.