Athabasca University president Frits Pannekoek has announced his early exit from the university.
Pannekoek announced in a memo last week that he would be retiring before his contract is up in 2015.
AU communications officer John OíBrien confirmed Pannekoekís impending departure.
ìHe will stay on until the new president is chosen,î OíBrien confirmed. ìThe hiring process will be getting underway at some point.î
OíBrien stated Pannekoek did not give a reason for his early departure.
ìNo, not at all. It was just his decision to take his retirement early. His term is up in 2015, and he decided to go a little early, but he gave no reason,î he said.
As for what it means for the schoolís future, OíBrien said it simply means a new president for Athabasca University.
ìTotal stability is what it means,î he said. ìFrits will be on until a new president is chosen, just as the old president was on until Frits was chosen.î
OíBrien also said it has nothing to do with the recent staff changes the university has undergone in the last two weeks.
ìNothing whatsoever,î he said. ìIt is completely separate.î
Pannekoek could not be reached for comment before press time.
