Student Government Association President and Montgomery senior Paul Pridgeon discusses University President Michael Rao’s announcement to accept the presidency at Virginia Commonwealth University. Questions were prompted by Central Michigan Life Editor in Chief Jake May.

Roger Kesseler still remembers his first encounter with Michael Rao in 2000.

Strangers in an elevator in New Orleans, Rao, then chancellor of Montana State University-Northern, sparked conversation over Kesseler’s Central Michigan University name tag.

“He said, ‘I understand that you’re looking for a president,’” said Kesseler, a former CMU trustee, in Lousiana for a Association of Governing Boards conference.

Those who know University President Michael Rao speak highly of his energy and hard work.

But as Rao prepares to become the next president of Virginia Commonwealth University, many are anxious over his commitment to the most ambitious project Central Michigan University has undertaken in a decade: the planned medical school.

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.

University President Michael Rao announced his resignation Friday evening in order to assume the presidency at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Rao leaves CMU at the end of the academic year. Central Michigan Life spoke to members of the CMU faculty and staff to hear their thoughts on Rao’s move.

How do you define a presidential legacy? Is it the number of new buildings erected during a tenure?

Is it increased enrollment? Increased affordability?

Or is it simply that a clear vision for the future is carried on by those who are left behind.

University President Michael Rao will depart Central Michigan University for Virginia Commonwealth University in early July, but several CMU officials say that his legacy will be measured by the improvements to campus under his leadership.

Michael Rao’s resignation has stirred mixed reaction among students.

Some care. Many don’t.

In the case of Student Government Association President and Montgomery senior Paul Pridgeon, it was a surprise.

Pridgeon, who has met with Rao several times, has always believed Rao has had a student-first mentality.

Mount Pleasant Mayor Jim Holton remembers flipping on the TV Friday and stopping in surprise.

Central Michigan University President Michael Rao had accepted the top position at a school in Virginia, and would be packing up in a matter of months.

“There’s no doubt it was a shock, probably to the entire community,” Holton said.