Northern Arizona University President Rita Cheng has decided not to seek an extension to her current contract as president of NAU. Cheng notified the Arizona Board of Regents of her decision Tuesday. Cheng began her role as the 16th president of NAU in 2014, taking over for then president John Haeger. She said in a statement, “After more than 40 years in higher education, and given the strong foundation in place at NAU and the institution’s bright outlook and upward trajectory, I believe that now is the right moment to provide this notice in order to allow the Board sufficient time for a national search for NAU’s next president.” Governor Doug Ducey said in a statement, “Arizona is incredibly grateful to Dr. Rita Cheng for her dedicated years of service to our students and the NAU community.” Ducey cited the creation of the Arizona Teachers Academy as one of her accomplishments while at NAU. The board is expected to begin a comprehensive nationwide search for President Cheng’s replacement this fall. Cheng’s contract runs through June of 2022, however she will stay on as president until a successor is found.
To read the statement from the Arizona Board of Regents, click here:
