Unfinished business
Only one day after speaking enthusiastically with the Board of Trustees, University President Michael Rao announced his resignation.
Rao's new job as president at Virginia Commonwealth University is a major step forward in his professional career. But for CMU, his departure could not come at a worse time.
Rao was instrumental in the approval and development of the medical school, one of the university's largest expansions in decades. He was heavily involved in the effort to receive state funding for a new biotechnology building as well as renovations to the Health Professions building. And he was a leading figure in fundraising efforts.
Yet, despite Rao's commitment to the medical school project, he is leaving when it is only in its earliest stages. His departure causes a lapse in leadership when the university needs him most.
Rao should have provided better follow-through on the medical school. This alone should have formed an obligation to remain at CMU for at least another couple of years.
Admittedly, Rao has been at CMU for nine years and it's understandable that, by now, he would like to leave for a better position. It's unreasonable to demand he remain at CMU for the rest of his professional life. Similarly, he would have had unfinished business whenever he left - even after the establishment of the medical school.
However, the scope of the medical school project, and his avowed commitment toward it, makes his departure unsettling. This is not just any unfinished business; it is one of the university's largest ventures yet. And it was a venture heartily endorsed, and spurred, by Rao.
We had completely expected Rao to leave, but not until after he had established the medical school as his primary legacy. Now, however, only its earliest stages will be his legacy - the rest will fall into the lap of his replacement.
Rao now should redouble his efforts to prepare the university for a smooth transition. At the Board meeting Thursday, Rao mentioned that the medical school was progressing faster than expected, and that the university should seek an interim dean to assist with accreditation.
Rao should make finding an interim dean his top priority before leaving. The interim dean will be a key transitional figure.
He also should make an effort to reassure potential donors about the viability of the medical school. His departure could cast a pall on the university's fundraising efforts. Rao should take every possible step to ensure this does not happen.
Though Rao's resignation is poorly timed, it need not devastate the university. We wish Rao the best of luck in his future career, and we hope the Board has a successful search for a replacement.
