I am writing today to share with you the news that William Decatur, Ohio University's Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration, has been selected as the next Executive Vice President for the Rhode Island School of Design. While it is always difficult to say goodbye to a valued member of our team, I know you will join me in extending gratitude to Mr. Decatur for all he has done for Ohio University and offering congratulations to him as he moves on to Rhode Island in January 2010.

In the next few days I will name interim leadership to take up the reins after Mr. Decatur's departure in January. I assure you that our University community's work to meet the budget challenges that Ohio University faces will proceed without hesitation or delay. Our Finance and Administration team has depth, talent, expertise and a commitment to make this transition seamless.

In the next few weeks I will invite members of the University community to serve on a search committee for leadership in Finance and Administration after Mr. Decatur's departure. As always, if you have questions, concerns or suggestions, please contact my Chief of Staff, Becky Watts, at 593-2573 or wattsr@ohio.edu.

I close with my personal thanks to Bill for sharing his talent, expertise and commitment with the Ohio University family for the past three and a half years. Deborah and I wish him and his family all the best.

Cordially,
Roderick J. McDavis
President