Western University will soon be hunting for a new president.
Dr. Amit Chakma announced to the school's Board of Governors Thursday that he will not seek a third term as university president.
Chakma, who has served as president since 2009, has 19 months left before his second five-year term is complete. His current term ends June 30, 2019.
"Dr. Chakma believes that periodic leadership renewal is a healthy time-honoured practice of any great institution," said Board Chair Hanny Hassan in a memo. "His decision to let the board know now ensures there is appropriate time to consult with the campus community and external stakeholders about the experience and qualities needed in Western’s next president."
The confirmation puts to rest rumours that Chakma was looking to stay on. Questions about whether he had been offered an extension were raised during the school's senate meeting last Friday. To which Chakma told the faculty, administrators, and students in attendance to "stay tuned."
The board praised Chakma for strengthening Western's academic reputation by attracting top students, scholars, and researchers from across Canada and the world. They credited him, along with his leadership team, with ensuring the university is financially sound and competitive in key areas including research.
But Chakma's time at Western hasn't been without controversy. In 2015, he caused considerable alarm among faculty, staff, and students when it came to light that he was paid $967,000 in salary and taxable benefits the year before. The double-salary, half of which was awarded for not taking a year-long paid administrative leave in 2014, led to a review of Western’s compensation practices. It also nearly led to a vote of non-confidence against Chakma.
To give the money back to the school, Chakma voluntarily skipped a year of pay.
With his remaining time at Western, Chakma will focus his attention on an "ambitious set of strategic priorities," according to Hassan.
An international search for Chakma's successor will begin in January, when a committee tasked with finding a new university head will be established.
