Dr. Bruce Grube's announcement
As you may be aware, I am now in my tenth year as President of Georgia Southern University. During these 10 years, Georgia Southern University has undergone the greatest improvements in academic quality, and the greatest expansion of physical facilities, than during any other comparable period in the history of the institution. Public/private relationships have multiplied, and the campus has maintained its culture of being student-centered while the enrollment has increased from 14,476 to 17,764, and the SAT average for the newly-entering freshman class has soared to 1111. The retention rate reached 81% this fall. The work of a marvelous faculty and staff has been essential to this progress. Additionally, Georgia Southern's economic impact on this region has reached approximately $750 million. And, the University is now in the initial stages of being nationally recognized.
It is not possible for me to adequately convey to you just how fortunate I am to have the opportunity, and the privilege, to be involved with engaged colleagues, supporters, and friends in the efforts that have resulted in such positive changes, not only for the University, but also for our larger community. May I simply say that I am grateful?
Most importantly, the vigorous progress of the University could not have occurred without your help and your support. Please know how thankful I am for all that you have done for Georgia Southern. The Georgia Southern University Foundation has believed in the vision for Georgia Southern and has continuously contributed to the progress of Georgia Southern. We are a better university for your efforts.
Now, however, it is the time in my life to step out of the presidency. My resignation will take effect on June 30, 2009. Please know and understand that I have given this decision the most careful thought and consideration. I look forward to spending more time with Kathryn, family, and friends. It is also my intention to have time for research and study to refresh and to bring my disciplinary, and teaching, knowledge up-to-date in political science and to reengage in university-level teaching for Georgia Southern beginning with the fall semester 2010. As I take my leave, I know that our University, as a stronger institution, is clearly positioned to continue its vigorous progress.
Again, thank you.
Grube made the announcement in an email to all Georgia Southern staff and in a video message on the university’s Web site.
“It has certainly been an honor beyond words for my wife Kathryn and me to have served at Georgia Southern University,” Grube said in a press release. Grube is out of the country, university officials said.
The state Board of Regents soon will begin a national search for Grube’s replacement. The process typically takes about a year. An interim president would be named if a new president is not in place by July 1, 2009.
“It is the right time for the university,” Grube said. “The university’s strategic plan has been developed and put into action, numerous construction projects are underway and a new president will have the opportunity to come in and not only build upon what the university has already accomplished, but take Georgia Southern to new a level.”
Upon his resignation, Grube will take one year of educational leave to prepare to return to the classroom as a professor of political science in 2010 at Georgia Southern. During his leave, Grube also will serve as a consultant with the University System of Georgia.
Jimmy Franklin, a Statesboro attorney and member of the Georgia Southern Foundation Board of Trustees, was saddened by Grube’s announcement.
“He has provided such outstanding leadership for Georgia Southern, he will be missed and difficult to replace,” Franklin said. “His vision of improving every aspect of Georgia Southern has driven the university’s overall improvement from the moment he got here.”
Prior to coming to Georgia Southern, Grube served as president of St. Cloud State University in Minnesota from 1995 to 1999.
Franklin began his two-year term as chairman of the Foundation Board the year Grube arrived. Franklin said he remembered discussions with Grube about increasing academic standards.
“Many people told him if he tried to raise standards, enrollment would go down,” Franklin said. “Obviously, he was proven to have the right plan.”
Georgia Southern enrollment stood at 14,476 in 1999 and the average SAT score was 987. For the 2008 fall semester, enrollment is 17,764, an increase of 3,288 students, while the average SAT score for incoming freshman is now 1,111, an increase of 124 points.
In fact, growth has spread across the entire campus since Grube’s arrival. The College of Education building opened in 2000 and was followed by many other academic and support buildings since then. The Nessmith-Lane building was expanded to included the 825-seat Performing Arts Center that opened in 2002.
A massive expansion and renovation of the Zach S. Henderson Library is nearly done and when complete, it will be among the finest university libraries in the Southeast. Other major building projects completed during Grube’s tenure include:
- College of Information Technology building
- Nursing/Chemistry building
- Center for Art & Theatre
- Soccer and Track facility
- Gene Bishop building
- Bennett-Ramsey Golf Center.
On-campus living also has grown significantly. New residence halls like Southern Courtyard, Southern Pines and Eagle Village improved student housing, and the 1,001-bed Centennial Place will be ready for the 2009 fall semester.
“How Dr. Grube pulled off all these capitol projects, I have no idea,” said Dr. Ron Shiffler, dean of the College of Business Administration and interim dean of the College of Information Technology. “When you combine our beautiful campus with higher academic standards you attract better students and better faculty. Dr. Grube is a transformational president for our university.”
Grube said he is excited about the next phase of his life.
“Now, however, it is the time in my life to step out of the presidency,” Grube said in the email. “Please know and understand that I have given this decision the most careful thought and consideration. I look forward to spending more time with (my wife) Kathryn, family, and friends.”