Gov. Gregoire�s statement on UW President Mark Emmert

For Immediate Release: April 27, 2010

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today issued the following statement regarding the University of Washington president Mark Emmert�s announcement that he will leave to serve as president of the NCAA:

�It is with mixed emotions to learn that University of Washington President Mark Emmert will be leaving the University. While I know his decision is what�s best for him and his family, we are losing a talented leader who ensured our state�s higher education system maintained its world-class reputation during some of the most difficult economic times in our state history.

�Mark and I share an important priority � we both want to keep the doors to a higher education open for all of those wanting it. With Mark�s leadership and guidance, our state has been able to achieve that. I�m especially proud of the Husky Promise program, which was created during Mark�s tenure, and guarantees that tuition and fees are covered for low-income Washington students attending the university.

�Mark also played a critical role in expanding the UW�s grant funding and creating the Department of Global Health. Both have helped secure the university�s position as one of the top research campuses internationally, and the 16th best university in the world.

�I thank Mark for his service to the University of Washington and to the entire state. He will certainly be missed � but he leaves a legacy at the university that will serve students for many years to come. I wish him and his family great success, and know his leadership and expertise will serve him well as president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.�