Philip P. DiStefano, interim chancellor at the University of Colorado at Boulder, is taking himself out of consideration for appointment as permanent chancellor, saying "it is the right decision for the overall good of the university."
DiStefano announced his decision Tuesday. He informed his cabinet of vice chancellors Monday evening, all of whom were surprised and saddened by the news. Many administrators and faculty on campus considered DiStefano, with 32 years of distinguished teaching, leading and scholarship at CU-Boulder to his credit, the front-runner for the permanent chancellorship.
Distefano said withdrawing his candidacy "is in the best interest of the university. This is the right time to bring in outside leadership. We have had a series of home-grown chancellors, which is fine," said DiStefano. "But there comes a time - and I believe it is now - that selecting an outside leader will significantly benefit the campus."
However, DiStefano will not be leaving CU. He will be returning to his former position of Provost, which is the academic head of the campus.
DiStefano said he talked over his decision with President Hank Brown on Friday.
"Phil eagerly stepped in to lead a vital position on the Boulder campus during a transitory time for the campus," Brown said." Everyone at the campus should be incredibly grateful for his strong and focused leadership to keep Boulder's priorities intact.
"We are very appreciative of the tremendous job he has done as interim chancellor the last 15 months, and I am grateful that we will retain his services as provost," Brown said.
DiStefano was named interim chancellor on Jan. 21, 2005, replacing Richard Byyny who became executive director of a new health policy center at the University of Colorado Hospital at Fitzsimmons in Aurora.
DiStefano will continue serving as interim chancellor until the position is filled. According to search committee chair Leonard Dinegar, President Brown's chief of staff, a finalist or finalists could be named in early May, though it is uncertain when the person selected would actually begin work.
As part of his announcement Tuesday, DiStefano issued the following prepared statement:
"In January of 2005, I assumed the Interim Chancellor position at a very difficult time for this institution. Over the subsequent year and a half we rolled up our sleeves, made some tough decisions, and helped to get the campus moving in the right direction. Now the groundwork is laid for us once again to be a leader among the great public research universities. In talking with my close advisers I have concluded it may be best to signal this new beginning with a fresh start.
"After some serious consideration, I have decided to withdraw my name from the search for the position of Chancellor of the Boulder Campus. I have thoroughly enjoyed being Interim Chancellor and I intend to continue leading the academic initiatives that I have begun.
"Therefore, following conversations with President Brown, we agreed on my decision to continue as Provost on the Boulder Campus - a position for which I have great passion and strength. I remain committed to supporting this institution in a leadership capacity now and in the future. As Provost, I can be close to the key academic constituencies - the deans, department chairs, the faculty, the student affairs professionals, students and staff - whom I value and respect as colleagues and friends.
"I appreciate the tremendous support I have received during my 32 years at CU and particularly over the past 15 months. I will continue serving as Interim Chancellor until a permanent Chancellor is appointed. Then, as Provost, I look forward to continuing our efforts to champion the excellence of the Boulder Campus. "
DiStefano's 15 months as interim chancellor have been action-packed. He insisted when accepting the position that he would not be a caretaker chief executive. His record includes:
*Changing the basic culture of undergraduate education by implementing a "residential college" concept.
* Building CU-Boulder national reputation as a center for renewable energy research.
* Moving toward turning the Research Park into a Research Campus.
* Instituting sweeping reforms in the athletic department as well as eliminating its budget deficit.
* Making diversity and a welcoming climate on the Boulder campus a top priority.
* Restoring credibility to a campus plagued by image problems the past three years.
During his career, DiStefano has authored and co-authored numerous books and articles in language arts and education. He also has served on a number of national and community boards.
DiStefano and his wife, Yvonne, have been married 36 years and have three grown daughters.