Vanderbilt University has announced that its chancellor, Nicholas S. Zeppos will step down from his post in August, due to health problems.
Nicholas S. ZepposZeppos said he plans to take a one-year leave of absence before returning to the campus as a law professor.
“I truly love Vanderbilt and serving you has been a privilege,” Zeppos said in a message to the university. “Yet my health is presenting challenges that demand my focus, with the love and support of my family.”
Zeppos did not cite any further details about his health in the message.
Zeppos first joined the Vanderbilt faculty in 1987 as a law professor. Throughout his time at Vanderbilt, he worked his way into more administrative roles, such as the chief academic officer. He began his reign as chancellor of the university in 2008, where he led the university through the Great Recession and into an era of increasing status and accomplishment, according to the Nashville Tennessean.
Vanderbilt provost Dr. Susan R. Wente will serve as interim chancellor until the university board finds someone to fulfill the role, according to university officials.
“We are now exceptionally well-positioned to take advantage of future opportunities and face the challenges yet to come,” said board chairman Bruce R. Evans. “I am sorry that Nick’s successful tenure as chancellor is coming to an end, but I am deeply grateful for his service and proud to call him a colleague and a friend.”
