The president of Western Kentucky University is pledging to move full steam ahead for the remaining ten months of his tenure. Gary Ransdell spoke of his upcoming retirement during his annual opening convocation to faculty and staff Friday.
"I have every intention of presenting my successor with an institution which has a stable enrollment, high academic quality, a rebuilt campus, and a campus ready to launch its next capital campaign."
Ransdell said much of his remaining time will be spent on helping shape a performance-based funding model for higher education in Kentucky.
Ransdell will also continue his efforts to bring a University of Kentucky Medical School to Bowling Green as part of WKU’s partnership with UK and the Medical Center at Bowling Green. President Ransdell will also oversee an upgrade of residence halls and a new dining contract that would include renovation of the Garrett Conference Center.
He retires June 30 of next year after two decades of leading WKU. A national search is underway for the university's next president.