Edward Laws, dean of the School of the Coast and Environment, announced his resignation this month to his colleagues. Laws said Astrid Merget, executive vice chancellor and provost, answered affirmatively when he asked her if she wanted him to resign. Laws said he was surprised by her answer but got the sense she wanted to make a change, and that was fine with him. “It is a new administration, and they have the right to choose who they want to work for them,” he said. “It is not uncommon with a new administration for these things to happen. They may feel comfortable appointing their own leadership.” Merget said she did not ask Laws to resign. She said they had a conversation, and the conclusion of that conversation was that it was better for the University and Laws’ future career to step down. She said Laws agreed to continue to serve as dean until the school finds a replacement. Robert Allen, assistant dean for the school, said the environment school leaders will begin the search process for Laws’ replacement later this week. Although a timetable has not been set, Allen said the process is expected to take six months or longer. Laws has been the dean for almost three years. He also serves as a professor in the Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences. Laws said he is looking forward to returning to faculty status.
—-Contact Natalie Messina at [email protected]