U.Va. names new interim president

WASHINGTON – The University of Virginia’s Board of Visitors has named Carl Zeithaml interim president.

Zeithaml currently serves as the dean of the McIntire School of Commerce, the university’s undergraduate business school.

The announcement comes after a nearly 12-hour closed-door meeting to discuss the resignation of president Teresa Sullivan. Sullivan leaves the position Aug. 15.

The board voted 12-1 with two abstentions early Tuesday.

Faculty leaders had demanded the reinstatement of Sullivan and the resignation of two board members involved in her ouster.

Students and faculty had camped outside the meeting room through the night awaiting word. Many major donors to the university had said they’d withdraw pledges if Sullivan wasn’t reinstated.

Rector Helen Dragas says a special committee to nominate a permanent president will form soon. She said the board hopes to engage faculty, staff and alumni in the selection process.

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(Copyright 2012 by WTOP and The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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