France Cordova, president of Purdue University, says she will step down in 2012
Journal & Courier
July 2, 2011
Purdue University President France Córdova will step down from office next summer after five years leading the school.
Córdova announced the decision Friday afternoon during a small news conference on the West Lafayette campus.
"I reflected on the chapters that I have had in my life and the chapters that lay before me. I think of life as a series of chapters," she said, citing an unfinished 'bucket list' and other interests to pursue.
"In thinking about the year ahead, I wanted to remain true to my commitment to the trustees and stay for five years. I want to finish as strongly as possible." She will step down mid-July, 2012, she said.
Córdova became Purdue's 11th president in 2007. The initial five years of her contract is scheduled to end mid-2012. Córdova, 63, could have remained president for a sixth year without a motion by the university's board of trustees.
The announcement comes as Purdue struggles to find a funding balance as state apportions dwindle and raising tuition fees remains the major source, and controversy, for new revenue.
