UI President Chuck Staben to leave June 2019

The Idaho State Board of Education announced University of Idaho President Chuck Staben will leave UI June 2019.

Staben’s contract will not be renewed for the 2019-2020 academic year, according to a university email. Previous Title IX violations by the Athletic Department in 2013 did not affect the decision, according to the news release.

Chuck Staben

“While this is difficult, I want you to know I am proud of what we have accomplished together and look forward to the challenges and successes we will have in the coming year,” Staben said in a memo.

In the letter, Staben said the decision was mutual between him and the State Board.

“While the timing of this announcement coincides with the review of past handling of sexual assault allegations in athletics, this decision is unrelated,” Staben wrote. “Also, please know that the review is continuing and we will have a final report soon.”

Staben drew criticism in 2016 for his decision to move Idaho’s football team from the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) to the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), the first NCAA team to do so.

Nicole Skinner, ASUI president for the 2018-2019 academic year, said the announcement took her and many others by surprise.

“President Staben has accomplished a lot of wonderful things for our university and I’m confident that he’ll continue to do so for his remaining year,” Skinner said. “This won’t impact the student government’s goals and we’ll keep fighting for students when it matters most.”

UI professor of law Elizabeth Brandt said the impending leadership changes will affect students just as much as they affect faculty and staff. It is important, she said, for faculty to help retain morale while the university finds its new leader.

“We can keep that morale going and push forward with goals even in a presidential search,” Brandt said.  “There is a big obligation on us so students don’t feel lost in Neverland for the next year.”

In October, Staben was also named as one of five finalists for a presidential position at the University of New Mexico but did not get the job.

“My decision to pursue a presidency at another university caused a distraction,” Staben wrote. “Strategic evaluation of our programs and units during Program Prioritization was difficult. The decision to affiliate our football program with the Big Sky Conference was, understandably, fraught with emotion and conflict.”

Brandt said the eventual change in UI’s leadership will be interesting to see play out. It is rare, she said, to see a university president leave because of their contract rather than finding a new position.

“I’ve never seen a situation where the president’s contract hasn’t been renewed,” Brandt said. “No matter what, there is always a lot of concern and anxiety about the changes made.”

Staben took over as the 18th president of UI in 2013, replacing Duane Nellis. He previously served as provost and vice president for the University of South Dakota.

When Staben first took on the role as UI President, he said he expected to stay in Moscow for quite some time.

“I’m 55 years old so I figure I’ve got 10 or 15 years of work left in me and my wife hates to move,” Staben said in 2013. “This is one last good job.”

Staben will earn $385,230 in his final year at UI.

The decision comes with a week left in UI Athletic Director Rob Spear’s paid administrative leave. Staben announced Spear’s leave April 3, following revelations that Spear mishandled a sexual assault case in 2013. Spear admitted he broke Title IX regulations during that time. Staben had not yet been appointed as president when the incident occurred.

Brandt said she hopes Staben’s successor will be a passionate spokesperson for the community.

“They are the face for us — they are our advocates,” Brandt said. “In turn, we must trust their advocacy.”

Mike Keckler, SBOE chief communications and legislative affairs officer, declined to comment further on the announcement. Jodi Walker, UI director of communications, said the university would not offer further comment on the announcement at this time.

Brandon Hill and Hailey Stewart can be reached at [email protected]

UPDATED: 3:50 p.m.