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News

Gogue lone finalist for top Auburn post

UH president and UH System chancellor since 2003 says leading alma mater a ‘once in a lifetime' chance

Cougar News Staff

Auburn University announced Monday that UH President and UH System Chancellor Jay Gogue is the sole finalist for the institution's presidency.

The Auburn Search Committee is expected to meet with and possibly vote to approve Gogue for the position Thursday.

Gogue, a 1969 Auburn graduate, said any decision to leave UH would be a difficult one.

"There are very few positions that could entice me away from the University of Houston and the UH System," he said in a statement released Monday. "However, the opportunity to lead my alma mater to its next level of excellence is indeed a once in a lifetime possibility."

UH Board of Regents Chairman Leroy Hermes said that if the position is offered to and accepted by Gogue, the board will move quickly to begin a national search for a replacement.

"I want to assure the University of Houston System community and our supporters that the progress we have made under Dr. Gogue's leadership will continue unabated," he said in a release, noting plans to improve the optometry, business, engineering and music facilities. He also said the long-range master plan will carry on.

Gogue has served as UH president and UH System chancellor since 2003, and has a master's in horticulture from Auburn University and a Ph.D. in horticulture from Michigan State University. Prior to coming to Houston, he was president of New Mexico State University from 2000 to 2003, provost at Utah State University from 1995 to 2000, and vice president for research at Clemson University from 1988 to 1995, among other positions.

In his statement, Gogue said he is confident UH would continue to prosper should he take the Auburn position.

"We have been blessed with a tremendous team and community support and no matter what the final decision, I know the University of Houston and the UH System will continue to grow in quality and in impact," he said.
 

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