by Justin Boulmay
Staff Writer
Appalachian State University saw the resignation of one of its top
administrators last week.
Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Dr. Siegfried E. Herrmann
stepped down from his position Friday after 11 years of service.
Herrmann said he had been thinking about leaving for some time,
and said the best time to leave is when things are running smoothly.
“[My staff] is doing a great job. Everything is running so
smoothly,” he said. “I can’t think of a better
time to leave. You don’t want to leave an organization when
something is wrong. ”
Herrmann also said his departure gives Chancellor-elect Kenneth
E. Peacock a chance to shape his team.
Peacock officially takes office July 1.
“It’s time for me to move on, and to give the new chancellor
an opportunity to create a new team. He needs to do that. He needs
to have the opportunity,” Herrmann said.
Herrmann’s departure leaves a second of the four vice chancellor
offices at Appalachian vacant.
The vice chancellor for academic affairs office is still open after
former provost Dr. Harvey R. Durham stepped in as interim chancellor
this year. Peacock is currently interim provost.
Herrmann said he was looking at several job possibilities, such
as working at other schools, but did not specify which institutions
he was referring to.
Peacock said he was “most appreciative” for Herrmann’s
service to the university.
“We certainly need to recognize the contributions Dr. Herrmann
made when he was here,” he said.
An April 2 memo to faculty and staff from Peacock said Jerry Hutchens
will serve as interim vice chancellor for university advancement
during "this period of transition."
"Mr. Hutchens has accepted and will serve until the appropriate
time to conduct a national search for this vice chancellor position,"
Peacock said in the memo. "With Mr. Hutchens' experience in
working with our donors and staff and his knowledge of the university,
I am confident that this change will be as seamless as possible."
Rumors have emerged that Herrmann might be the first of many administrators
to submit resignations.
However none have been confirmed by anyone in the administration.
“I know when this happens, you have rumors floating,”
Herrmann said. “I don’t know of anyone else [retiring].”
Peacock said many employees tend to look at other “professional
endeavors” when a new chancellor is chosen.
Shaffer said he would not comment on the rumors.
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