The University of Wyoming Board of Trustees President Bob Sternberg has turned in his resignation, according to WyomingNews.com. Sternberg had spent less than five months in office and in his statement he said, “It (UW) might not be the best fit for me as president.” His resignation is effective December thirty-first, but he will take administrative leave immediately. He was under a three-year contract with a salary of $425,000 per year and will be paid $325,000 for the next year. Five administrators and three deans have resigned or accepted other jobs since Sternberg took office in July, which may indicate that something was very wrong under Sternberg’s presidency. The board of trustees have fully accepted the changes made under Sternberg’s guidance commenting, “They (the changes) were made under board direction, board policy. We feel we have exactly the right team of people going forward.”
Sternberg has been described as “terminally narcissistic” and that he “alienated too many people.” Donal O’Toole, a professor at the university said, “I tried to contact him on some issues I’m concerned about. I invited him to meet with me. He blew me off.” Sternberg himself has stated, “When new presidents come in, there is a lot of anxiety, especially if, as in this particular case, the person comes from the outside. I’m not planning any further personnel changes. I think where we are is where we want to be.” He has also admitted to doing too much too fast. He attempted to be a worthy president by hosting town hall meetings, faculty lunches and setting up a suggestion box and said, “When I say any unit can improve, and any person can improve, that includes me.”
Image Credit: UW