This is an updated version of an earlier report.
The embattled president of the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education has announced his resignation following an outcry over unauthorized pay hikes for staff members totaling $250,000, The Associated Press reports. Former University of Connecticut President Phillip E. Austin is interim choice.
Board President Robert A. Kennedy said Friday the controversy had become a distraction from the board’s work.
Republican and Democratic leaders of the General Assembly’s Higher Education Committee had called for Kennedy’s resignation on Thursday.
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said Kennedy’s decision is ”the right one.”
Kennedy said earlier this week he made a mistake when he awarded raises of up to $48,000 in raises to 21 staff members without the approval or knowledge of an oversight board.
Regents on Friday afternoon recommended Austin to serve as interim president, a selection the governor applauded.
“Dr. Austin is an outstanding choice by the Board of Regents,” Malloy’s statement said. “His reputation is beyond reproach, and he will bring much needed stability to the Board of Regents central office the first day he walks in the door. He’s also the right person to make sure the reforms that have started to be implemented continue.”
