Mount Mercy president to take year sabbatical

Mount Mercy University President Christopher Blake will take a one-year sabbatical after seven years leading the school, officials announced Thursday.

No details were available Thursday about the reason for the sabbatical, and Blake had no additional statement, a university spokeswoman said.

"The sabbatical is a one-year sabbatical. Details beyond that remain a personnel matter," said Lisa Lafler, assistant vice president for communications and marketing.

Blake, who began at Mount Mercy in 2006, notified officials on Monday that he wished to take a one-year sabbatical, Lafler said. The Mount Mercy board of trustees held a meeting Monday -- with some members there in person and some participating via phone -- and approved that request, she said.

The sabbatical runs through May 2014, Lafler said. Mount Mercy held commencement Sunday, the day before Blake made his request, and Blake presided over those weekend activities, Lafler said.

Board of trustees Chairman Brandt Worley said in the university statement he appreciates "the leadership Dr. Blake has provided over the years."

"During the sabbatical, the many leaders of this campus who have made significant contributions to the enhancement of the university will continue to move forward with the same momentum and accomplishment the university has seen under Dr. Blake's guidance," Worley said. "In support of these efforts, the board of trustees will establish transitional leadership for the university and will continue to keep our campus as well as the community updated on our progress."

Worley did not return a message seeking additional comment.

The "transitional president" will handle day-to-day operations of the university during Blake's sabbatical, Lafler said. There are no plans for Blake to move out of the president's residence, she said.

"Because a sabbatical is a time to have personal reflection and pursue other interests, there will be an interim president appointed," she said. "We do not have that name yet, but the board of trustees is working actively on that right now."

Since Blake came to Mount Mercy in 2006, the school has achieved university designation, launched several graduate programs and achieved re-accreditation under a new system.