UA president stepping down due to wife’s health concerns | News

TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBRC)- After serving seven weeks as the University of Alabama's president, Guy Bailey is stepping down.

Bailey stated that he and his wife, Dr. Jan Tillery, made the decision together so they can address her health concerns.

The university issued the following statement from Bailey announcing his decision on Wednesday afternoon:

Today I have notified Chancellor Witt that I am stepping down as President of The University of Alabama. This is a decision my wife Jan and I made together after much discussion about how we can best address her health, which is the most important priority in our lives. By announcing this decision today, I hope the Board of Trustees will be in a position to take the next appropriate steps during its meeting in Tuscaloosa this week. We want to thank the faculty, staff, students, alumni and our many friends for your warm welcome. My family and I appreciate your understanding and your prayers.

Bailey's resignation letter will be delivered to the UA Board of Trustees prior to their regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, Nov. 1. A specially called board meeting has been set for noon in the Bryan conference center, Kellee Reinhart, vice chancellor for UA system relations, said.

The meeting is expected to begin in a public session, then go into an executive session to discuss the situation. The board will likely name an interim president tomorrow, Reinhart said.

The University also issued the following statements in response to Bailey's announcement:

Statement from Paul Bryant, Jr., President Pro Tempore of The University of Alabama Board of Trustees:

We understand and respect that President Bailey's priorities at this time must be focused on his wife Jan's recovery. The Baileys are in our prayers and have our support. We will address the issue of presidential succession at The University of Alabama in a specially called Board meeting Thursday.

Statement from Dr. Robert E. Witt, Chancellor of The University of Alabama System:

I respect and appreciate President Bailey's decision. His priorities reflect his commitment to both his wife Jan and The University of Alabama. He and Jan will remain in our prayers.

Neither the university nor Bailey have publically commented on what health concerns Jan Tillery faces.

Bailey's first day on the job was September 4, 2012. He was a University of Alabama alum and most recently served as the president for Texas Tech University.

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