SSU PresidentWilliam C. Merwin Accepts Presidential Position with Florida GulfCoast University

SALISBURY, MD-- Dr. William C. Merwin, president of Salisbury State University, has announced he has accepted the presidency at Florida Gulf Coast University in Southwest Florida. Merwin, who was appointed president at SSU in 1996, begins his new position in September.

"It is with mixed emotions that I resign as president at Salisbury State University," said Merwin. "(My wife) Debbie and I love it (in Salisbury). We were warmly welcomed and always felt supported by the faculty, staff and local community. The students were a pleasure. Chancellor (Donald) Langenberg and the (University System of Maryland) Board of Regents did all they could to entice us to stay at Salisbury. But ultimately the pull of our three sons and six grandchildren (who live in Florida) turned out to be something they could not match."

"During his three years at Salisbury," said Chancellor Langenberg, "President Merwin has made significant contributions to the advancement of the University. He has built strong ties with the local community, increased the visibility of SSU across the state, and added to the institutions national reputation as a first-rate comprehensive university.

"Dr. Merwin's tenure has been characterized by professionalism applied with enthusiasm, by innovation in keeping with tradition, and by vision grounded in solid management," said Langenberg.

A search committee will be assembled in September to begin the process of determining a successor for Merwin at SSU.

For more information contact the SSU Public Relations Office at 410-543-6030.

*Please see the online list of accomplishments during President Merwin's tenure at SSU (1996-99). Also quotes from members of the SSU community and a complete text of Chancellor Langenberg's comments on Merwin's departure.