Michael Rao’s resignation as university president falls under a contract provision that requires him to give 120 days notice on leaving the university.

Within that time, the search for a new university president will begin. Official notification from Rao to university officials will likely happen this week.

“At this point in time, we will take a look at the need for an interim president,” said Board of Trustees chair Gail Torreano during a conference call Saturday.

Dean of Students Bruce Roscoe said appointing an interim president may be necessary if a replacement is not identified by July 1, the day of Rao’s departure.

There are three common options for choosing an interim president, Roscoe said. The most attractive option is bringing a former president out of retirement to serve until a permanent replacement is found.

However, pulling someone from a vice president or dean position are also options on the table.

“It’s the Board of Trustees’ decision,” Roscoe said. “There is no logical or stated ascent to the (interim) presidency.

According to board bylaws, an 11-person committee will be created to establish qualifications, a screening committee and establish procedures for the search.

Torreano said a search firm will be contacted soon.

“I am very confident, as are the other board members, in the executive leadership team,” she said.

The presidency offer at Virginia Commonwealth University developed rapidly, Rao said during the conference call.

“I learned that I was ‘likely’ about a week ago,” he said. “I did notify the appropriate people as soon as I thought that something could happen.”

Rao said he exceeded the goals he set for himself in 2000.

“When I came, I wasn’t thinking about a medical school at all, and we’ve gotten so far into that,” he said. “I didn’t anticipate we would be where we are.”

The most important quality a successor could posses is the ability to see the bigger picture, he said.

“One thing I’d say is bring your heart, bring your soul,” he said. “It is absolutely essential for the university to continue to impact the quality of life for the people of Michigan.”

Rao added he is confident the search will reveal a solid list of candidates.

“(CMU) is in an exceptionally strong position to attract a very strong candidate,” he said. “And it will not and should not settle for anything but the very, very best.”

university@cm-life.com

E-mail the author: Lindsay Holt