Acting president speaks with student media
Dacota Taylor
Issue date: 10/26/09 Section: News
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Eggleston, who became acting president upon Mittelstet's abrupt retirement announcement and sick leave last month, was receptive to Student Media and spoke about Mittelstet's health.
"Dr. Mittelstet is tending to his health full time these days, and he is making progress," Eggleston said. "We're very pleased that he is focused entirely on his health, and is spending his time away from the college, of course, on medical leave."
Eggleston said she and other administrators are in touch with Mittelstet, speak with him and continue to convey good wishes from the faculty, students and staff.
Regarding Mittelstet's retirement date, Eggleston said the Board of Trustees acted on his request at the October board meeting and approved his retirement, effective Jan. 4, 2010. She said Mittelstet is pleased that formal action has been taken, and that he is nostalgic because it's very difficult to leave a college that he so dearly loves and has been a part of for so many years.
Eggleston said she is hopeful that Mittelstet will be able to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new science building Jan. 28, and be part of the opening event. He has been the inspiration behind many of the construction facets of the building and the commitment to build to a LEED platinum level.
After Mittelstet's sudden retirement, Eggleston, formerly Richland's chief operating officer, stepped up to assume the acting president's position until an official retirement date is determined. She expressed an interest in becoming full-time president.
"I do believe I am a full-time president right now in an acting capacity, and I will continue in the acting capacity until Dr. Mittelstet's retirement becomes official in January," Eggleston said. "At that point, the Chancellor, Dr. Wright Lassiter, will appoint an interim for whatever period he deems would be appropriate before a full search is announced."
The hiring process will eventually be under way for a new Richland president, but Eggleston said that decision would be up to Lassiter.
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