University of Northern Iowa president leaves for smaller Ohio college

CEDAR FALLS - University of Northern Iowa President Bill Ruud is leaving after three years to become head of the smaller, private Marietta College in Ohio.

Ruud, 63, will start there July 3. An interim president for UNI will be named at the June meeting of the Iowa Board of Regents.

'As we look to the future, it is important to remember that the only constant in our lives is change,” Ruud said in a statement Wednesday. 'Our time in Cedar Falls has been a blessing. The relationships that have been made will last forever. As the university moves toward its 150th anniversary in 2026, it is my hope that the students, faculty and staff here will continue to make UNI what it is - the University of Nothing Impossible.”

UNI had a fall 2015 enrollment of more than 12,300 students. Marietta College has a 2015-2016 enrollment of 1,200 students.

In August, the regents approved a 2.5 percent salary increase for Ruud from $348,400 to $357,110. His salary at the private Ohio institution was not disclosed.

The college's board of trustees unanimously elected Ruud, Chairman George Fenton said in a statement.

'Today, Marietta College selected a president with extensive experience in leadership, and who also has a demonstrated record of improving enrollment and other revenues,” he said. 'President-elect Ruud has consistently impressed everyone involved in the search process with his forthrightness and personality.”

Regents President Bruce Rastetter released a short statement Wednesday night.

'The Board of Regents thanks President Ruud for his extraordinary service to the University of Northern Iowa and the state. Under his leadership, there has been great progress made at UNI, and he leaves UNI in a stronger position than when he arrived,” Rastetter said. 'The board wishes President Ruud and his wife, Judy, well with this new opportunity at Marietta College and in all their future endeavors.”