Posted by Mariel Kennedy
President Philip Glotzbach will take a six-month sabbatical leave from his position as president of the college beginning Nov. 1, 2010.
This will be Glotzbach's first sabbatical leave since fall 1991.
During this time, his wife, Marie Glotzbach, whose campus duties include fundraising and community relations, has been permitted a reduced workload by the Skidmore Board of Trustees.
Glotzbach feels that this is an appropriate time for his sabbatical as the successful "Creative Thought, Bold Promise" campaign is coming to a close. This campaign is a six-year long fundraiser that has thus far raised more than $200 million for various projects around the school, such as the Tang Museum, Zankel Music Center and athletic and healthcare facilities.
"With the ‘Creative Thought, Bold Promise' campaign soon to achieve its very successful conclusion, and as we reach the midpoint of the current strategic plan, I felt — and the trustees agreed — that this was an opportune moment to step back and reflect upon the wider higher education landscape," said Glotzbach in the letter.
Glotzbach will remain in Saratoga while on sabbatical.
Glotzbach intends to "step back and reflect upon the wider higher education landscape."
"In the best of all possible worlds, I'd have a book by the end of my sabbatical, but I won't promise that," Glotzbach said.
"More specifically, this leave will afford me an opportunity to complete a number of writing projects on various topics relating to higher education and to consider Skidmore's future direction within that broader framework," said Glotzbach in his letter.
The Glotzbachs took time to send gratitude and appreciation to both the Skidmore Board of Trustees for approving the sabbatical and all those on campus who will be taking on additional responsibilities.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Susan Kress will serve as acting president; Dean of the Faculty Muriel Poston will serve as acting vice president for Academic Affairs; and Associate Dean of the Faculty Patricia Rubio will serve as acting dean of the faculty.
Associate dean's responsibilities have yet to be announced.
The appointments of individuals to serve in acting positions during Glotzbach's sabbatical were made by the president in consultation with the cabinet, the leadership of Academic Affairs, the Committee on Appointments, Promotions, and Tenure and the Board of Trustees.
Glotzbach has expressed full approval and confidence in the leadership and ability of this group of individuals and that of several other cabinet members.
"Marie and I will return to campus life refreshed and reinvigorated following this leave, and I very much look forward to continuing to serve our community