UCF Board of Trustees accepts President Dale Whittaker's resignation

During a high stakes meeting at the University of Central Florida (UCF) on Thursday, the school's Board of Trustees accepted a resignation from the president of the school. The school confirmed in a press release that Whittaker will leave office immediately.

They also said that a settlement agreement with Whittaker will be determined in the weeks ahead. It is set to be negotiated by the Chairman and based on recommendations from the nominating and Governance Committee.

Earlier this week, UCF President Dale Whittaker offered his resignation to the UCF Board of Trustuees. The decision came after improper spending at the school was revealed earlier this month. 

Then on Thursday, the UCF Board of Trustees voted in favor of accepting Whittaker's resignation after holding an meeting at the university.

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“President Whittaker stated in his offer to resign his presidency that sometimes the finest leadership decisions are those that entrust future leadership to others. He has concluded that for UCF to heal wounds new leadership is required. Our loss will be some other institution’s great gain,” said Board of Trustees Chairman Robert Garvy. “Dale Whittaker has demonstrated great courage and sacrifice for the students, faculty and administration at UCF. I believe we should honor his thoughtful and thoroughly considered offer to resign in the hope that the relationship between UCF and the Florida legislature can be renewed.”

The Board of Trustee said that they immediately worked with the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges to find a interim president for the transition period between Whittaker and a long-term Interim President. They named Thad Seymour as UCF's Interim President for the transition period. Selection of a long-term Interim President will approval of both the Board of Trustees and the Board of Governors.

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Seymour is said to be known for his leadership and consensus building. He joined UCF in the Fall of 2015 to help lead UCF's strategic planning process. He was then entrusted with the position of Vice Provost for UCF Downtown. He currently serves as Vice President for Partnerships and Chief Innovation Officer.

The Board of Trustees began their meeting at 10 a.m. At 11:30 a.m., the meeting went on break but returned around 12 p.m. Both parts of the meeting are below.

Whittaker became the UCF President in July 2018.

It is still not clear who will take his place if the trustees approve his resignation.