Runte Accepts Presidency At Ottawa’s Carleton University

Old Dominion President Roseann Runte will step down July 1, 2008, to accept the position of president at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada.

Runte succeeded James V. Koch as Old Dominion’s seventh president in July 2001.

“I wish to thank so many people for the privilege of serving this fine university, which is definitely positioned on a trajectory toward continued success,” Runte said in a note to the campus community. “I am proud of all we have achieved together. Seven years of dreams and accomplishments have flown by at the speed of light.”

“The Board of Visitors is most appreciative of all that Dr. Roseann Runte has achieved and accomplished, and grateful for the tireless efforts she has put forth during her nearly seven years as president of Old Dominion,” said Rector Marc Jacobson. “Under her leadership, the university has made great strides in every area imaginable. She has helped raise the profile of Old Dominion as a respected academic and research institution.

“We couldn’t have asked for more. And while we are saddened to see her go, we know that she is leaving behind a university that is well positioned to continue the remarkable progress that has been made, and we wish her well as she embarks on her own new journey,” Jacobson added.

The Board of Visitors appointed a Presidential Search Committee on Jan. 17, which will ultimately select a short list of candidates. The committee includes current and former BOV members and representatives from faculty, staff and alumni.

Jacobson said the committee will engage the services of a national consulting firm to aid in the process, but the final decision on a successor to Runte will be the responsibility of the board. He added that he is hopeful that ODU’s next president will be announced once Runte steps down.

The following alumni serve on the committee: Kenneth E. Ampy ’90, current BOV member and CEO of Astyra Corp.; Kendra M. Croshaw ’00, BOV vice rector; Ross A. Mugler ’84 (M.P.A. ’03), BOV member and commissioner of the revenue for the city of Hampton; and Shewling Moy Wong ’87, president of the ODU Alumni Association and vice president of Wong Associates Inc.