President Loh Will Remain UMD President Through June 2020
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (WJZ) — University of Maryland President Wallace Loh will not retire this year as previously expected.
Instead, he will remain there through June 2020.
"The board and Dr. Loh mutually agree that it is in the University's best interest for him to continue leading the University of Maryland College Park through June 2020," said USM Board of Regents Chairwoman Linda Gooden.
The reversal comes three months after Loh announced plans to retire.
The announcement came following the death of sophomore football player, Jordan McNair and the investigation into the football team's culture.
Parents Of Jordan McNair: 'Fire Coach, Keep President'
The 19-year-old died of a heatstroke after a practice in May.
The Board of Regents decided to reinstate football coach D. J. Durkin, but the next day- Loh went against the board and fired him.
University Of Maryland Fires Football Head Coach DJ Durkin
"As a board, we must take and are determined to take the time necessary to identify and select a bold and talented leader, who can continue the upward trajectory of one of the nation's great, public research universities," Gooden said.
Loh released a statement on Twitter following the announcement saying in part:
"For eight years, I have been honored to serve the state's flagship institution as the accomplishments of our faculty, staff, students and alumni have propelled Maryland to new heights,"
He goes on to say,
"With all of Maryland's supporters, I look forward to what we will accomplish together,"
The board said after speaking with Loh, members of the campus community and leaders across the state, they came to the decision to keep Loh in his leadership postion, as he works on several initiatives, including reforms in the University's athletic department.
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