Wright State University President David Hopkins has announced he’ll officially leave office Friday, three months earlier than his scheduled retirement. Hopkins had said last May he planned to step down in June, when his contract officially expired. He’s served as Wright State president for about 10 years.
In a letter to students, faculty and staff Friday, Hopkins cited the university’s budget-realignment process as one reason for vacating office early. He also wrote that he wants to,“position new president, Dr. Cheryl B. Schrader, for every success possible.”
Shrader, who is currently the chancellor of Missouri University of Science and Technology, is set to take over as president of Wright State on July 1.
The Wright State board of trustees has appointed Dr. Curtis L. McCray to serve as interim president until Shrader officially takes office.
In a statement, university officials said McCray has worked with Wright State as a consultant and has experience leading presidential transitions.Under McCray's direction, Provost Tom Sudkamp and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Ulliman will work on a budget-remediation plan to address shortfalls in the university's budget.
McCray has served as president of four universities: the University of North Florida; California State University, Long Beach; Millikin University; and National Louis University.
After stepping downas president, Hopkins is expected to remainat Wright State in a faculty position, teaching in the College of Education and Human Services. Officials say he will be paid an annual salary of $200,000, giving up the $432,000 in base pay he would have been owed as president. He will preside over spring commencement and attend the highly popular ArtsGala.
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