SNC NEWS RELEASE
INCLINE VILLAGE – The Sierra Nevada College Board of Trustees announced Thursday that Richard Rubsamen offered his resignation as president of the college and they named Provost Lynn Gillette as the new president effective Nov. 1.
Board member and Finance Committee Chair Atam Lalchandani announced to staff and faculty that Rubsamen made the offer recognizing that administration costs were top heavy. He further noted that Rubsamen’s leadership is evidenced in the continued success of the college over recent years.
In the last four years, SNC has doubled the student body and raised academic standards. “Because our president has always worked in partnership with the provost and assembled an outstanding leadership team, the transition will be a very orderly one.”
“I was tasked by the board with planning for financial sustainability in order to insure the long-term health of the college. It was clear to me where reductions had to occur. While the idea of leaving the college is very difficult, it is the right thing to do. I need to lead by example and practice what we teach.”
Adminstration and staff were asked to take cuts of 5-10 percent, while faculty saw no pay reductions. Rubsamen will continue at the college working with the board to insure a smooth transition for several months.
Rubsamen said, “If anything made my decision easier, it was the knowledge that Provost Gillette was ready to step-up and continue the implementation of our strategic plan. He has been an active partner and I could not have achieved these successes without him. The college is in very good hands.”
Rubsamen served as president of the college for one and one half years and shepherded the institution through economic challenges, diversification to online programs and resurgent growth.
Barry Munitz, chair of the Sierra Nevada College Board of Trustees, said, “I think I can speak for the entire SNC community – students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and trustees – in thanking Richard for taking on a difficult job and leading this college with determination through challenging times. The college is stronger because of Richard’s leadership.”
“I am humbled by the trust placed in me by the board and those here today,” Gillette said. “We are going to continue this momentum, and I am going to tell the world how great this college is. I have worked with every single person in this room, and I will be proud to represent you.”
Gillette was appointed provost in May 2008, after serving as chair of the business department since August 2007. Gillette has 20 years of experience in higher education administration.
Prior to joining the college Gillette was a dean of a college of business, an associate vice president for academic affairs and a vice president responsible for institutional effectiveness and compliance. Gillette received his doctoral degree in economics from Texas A & M University and completed the management development program at Harvard University.
Sierra Nevada College is a non-profit liberal arts college offering undergraduate and graduate degrees with locations in Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, Reno and online. The interdisciplinary curriculum emphasizes entrepreneurial thinking, professional preparedness and sustainability. To learn more about Sierra Nevada College, call 775.831.1314 or visit www.sierranevada.edu.
