Defiance College president stepping down from job

5/12/2008

DEFIANCE Defiance College President Gerald Wood announced publicly Monday that he will step down June 30.

Mr. Wood, who has been president of the private liberal arts college since 2002, is best known for introducing a "culture of engagement" incorporating civic and cultural components with academics and promoting the college s service learning mission.

Mr. Wood, 56, cited professional and personal influences for his decision to resign.

"Likely, I will have one more assignment before retiring, and there are a number of other things I would like to do," he said. "Also, in my personal life, my fiancee Gayle and I, as we prepare for marriage, believe a fresh start and new opportunity is best for both of us as we write a new chapter in our lives together."

He told the board of trustees his decision at the end of April and they are in the process of naming a committee to work with a search firm to find a permanent replacement.

Charles Warren, who served as interim dean for the college s McMaster School for Advancing Humanity in the 2004-2005 school year, will serve as interim president.