Chancellor Mark Emmert is entering into negotiations to become the president of the University of Washington after the UW Board of Regents voted to offer him the position at a Friday afternoon meeting.
Emmert and his wife DeLaine are expected to travel to Washington on Monday to further explore the offer, according to an official University statement.
In the statement, Emmert said he would appreciate the chance to return to Washington.
Emmert is a native of Tacoma, Wash. and received his bachelor of arts degree in political science from the University of Washington.
“Two years ago I told the LSU Board of Supervisors that there is only one job in the country I would consider leaving LSU for, and that’s the presidency of the University of Washington,” Emmert said in the statement. “The opportunity to lead the University of Washington and return to DeLaine’s and my home state is enormously compelling. The University of Washington is a remarkable university of exceptional academic quality.”
In the same statement, LSU officials said they understood why the offer may be tempting to Emmert.
“The possibility of leading one’s alma mater is a once in a lifetime opportunity and one that most academic leaders would find very enticing,” said LSU System President William Jenkins. “Mark and DeLaine are from the Seattle area and would be returning to their home state and would be closer to their respective families, should he accept the position.”
LSU Board of Supervisors Chairman Roger Ogden also said the offer may be tempting to Emmert because of his Washington ties.
“In this instance, the call from the University of Washington is the one offer I hoped would never come,” Ogden said. “I have been aware for some time that Chancellor Emmert has made a commitment to LSU that was unassailable, with the possible exception of a call from his alma mater.”
While LSU officials said they understood Emmert’s reasons for considering the offer, UW officials said in a press release Emmert would be a good fit for the position of president.
“Mark Emmert is a dynamic, forward-looking, energetic leader who has the skill, experience and character to accelerate the University’s already considerable momentum,” said UW Board of Regents president Jerry Grinstein. “We are excited about his appointment and confident that he will provide the kind of leadership this great university requires in the coming years. As an alumnus of UW, he has the added benefit of already knowing where the president’s office is. It’s a good match.”
Paul Ramsey, chairman of the UW presidential search committee, said committee members became more enthusiastic when Emmert appeared as a candidate.
“He brings great leadership skills and considerable knowledge and experience to this position,” Ramsey said in the statement. “I believe the many constituencies represented on the committee will be served well by him, most notably our students, faculty and staff.”
Earlier Friday, LSU Student Senate Speaker Michael Busada sent Emmert an e-mail asking him to remain as LSU’s chancellor.
“I understand any desire you would have to return to your home and become president of the Washington system; however, know that we need you here at LSU to continue the great and unprecedented steps we are making,” Busada said in the e-mail. “As you weigh this great and monumental decision, please know that myself and thousands of other Louisiana students hope that you stay and continue the fight for a better LSU.”
Emmert was named LSU chancellor in April 1999. Prior to that, he served as chancellor and provost at the University of Connecticut.