RICHMOND, Ky. (LEX 18) — Eastern Kentucky University's President announced his resignation on Wednesday morning.
In a letter to the EKU community, Michael Benson stated that he will be stepping down as president on Jan. 6, 2020.
Benson said that, at the request of Chairman Lewis Diaz, he will remain on the Board of Regents as an advisor through the president transition period.
He said in the letter that he wants to use the next year to research and write his Gilman manuscript, which is under contract with John Hopkins University Press.
In the letter, Benson said the following:
"In the near future, my family and I plan to create time to personally say 'thank you' to the people with whom we have worked so closely. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve the students, faculty, staff and community. Thank you for taking us in and making us a part of the EKU Colonel Family. This has become our home. We have tried to reciprocate your kindness by doing our best on behalf of this remarkable institution and its outstanding people."
Benson said, at the end of the letter, that his time as president was "some of the most exciting and rewarding years" of his career.
Diaz said, "I thank President Benson for his years of service to EKU. The university is better in numerous ways because of his efforts and leadership."
The university said they will begin planning the transition immediately by creating a search committee and starting a national search for the next president.
