Jim Borsig talks to the media after an executive session at the Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees meeting Friday. Borsig said the board will not discuss ongoing contract negotiations to the media. (Photo by: Logan Kirkland)
Interim Institutions of Higher Learning Commissioner Jim Borsig announced Thursday that he has requested to step down from his position and remain president at the Mississippi University for Women. Details regarding the search for a new Commissioner of Higher Education will be discussed by the board at its next regularly scheduled Board Meeting next Thursday in Jackson.
Borsig’s request to step down comes on the heels of the IHL Board’s decision not to renew University of Mississippi Chancellor Dan Jones’ contract.
IHL’s statement:
In a university convocation today [April 9], President Jim Borsig announced that he has requested to remain as president of Mississippi University for Women, pending formal approval by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. In February, the Board of Trustees appointed him as Commissioner of Higher Education, to be effective April 15.
“I first want to make it perfectly clear that I am in full support of the Board of Trustees,” said Borsig. “I have enjoyed working with the Board, both as a university president and as Commissioner-Elect. The Board is fully dedicated to the success of the university system and I share in this goal. After reflection and prayer, I have realized that my true passion-and my calling at this point in my life-is to serve our state as a university president.”
“When I accepted the opportunity to serve our system of Higher Education as Commissioner, I told you it was one of the most difficult decisions I’d ever made,” he told the university community. “I was leaving a job I loved and a university that has embraced me and given me a home. Today, I feel that bond more strongly than ever.”
Dr. Borsig has offered to continue serving as Commissioner through the transition period.
“I am grateful to the Board of Trustees for the faith it has placed in me both in naming me president and selecting me as Commissioner,” he added. “I look forward to continuing to work with the Board to help advance Mississippi.”
“We are grateful for Dr. Borsig’s service, both as university president and Commissioner-Elect,” said Aubrey Patterson, president of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. “He has been an outstanding president at MUW and we respect his desire to remain in this role.”
Borsig said that there is “important and good work” remaining at The W. “I am committed to making a difference at an institution I love, one with a unique and significant mission.”
He thanked faculty, staff and students for their support during the transition period. “I am grateful to The W’s faculty, staff and students for everything they do, quietly and with unwavering dedication,” he said. “There is not another institution in the system like our university.”
“I am in love with The W and with its future,” he concluded. “I look forward to being a continued part of this university’s rich potential.”
Details regarding the search for the Commissioner of Higher Education will be discussed by the Board of Trustees at its next regularly scheduled Board Meeting on Thursday, April 16, 2015.
