By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – University at Buffalo President William Greiner says he will retire later this year. As of March 1st, the university's 13th president will begin his 13th year of service.
There's been much speculation about UB President Greiner's retirement plans. As late as December 2001, Greiner said he had no intention to retire in the next two to three years.
So, Monday's announcement came as somewhat of a surprise. Greiner was not available for comment. In a letter to the university community, he didn't give a reason for his decision, other than to say it's time to move to a different role.
UB Vice President for Student Affairs Dennis Black said it's too soon to talk about a successor.
"I think the discussion we'll want to have first would involve what kind of leader we want, what are we looking for in the future, what is it we need," Black said. "We probably should have that discussion before we begin to think about a job description, requirements or experience."
The heir apparent at UB is Provost Elizabeth Capaldi. She pointed out there is no official posting for the job but did admit she would be interested.
Capaldi said the university will continue to build on the accomplishments of the Greiner era.
"The unique feature of this university is its placement in the city of Buffalo," Capaldi said. "I think the work we can do with technology transfer, bioinformatics and other new science -- building a new economy in Buffalo, would really make a mark on the State of New York and the United States."
Greiner came to UB in 1967. He said he and his wife, Carol, had no inkling how wonderful and rewarding their life would be here. Greiner served as University provost prior to his appointment as president in 1991.
