After three years at Valdosta State University, President Patrick J. Schloss announced to students, staff and faculty his departure from VSU to a University System of Georgia Executive position Monday afternoon.

Schloss included in his email his many achievements including the increase in enrollment, new scholarships and new faculty members hired throughout his presidential term. Schloss’ new title will be Assistant to Executive Vice Chancellor of USG at the end of June. The position requires Schloss to work with the 35 USG institutions on improving retention and graduation rates. Dr. Louis Levy will take over Schloss’ position as interim president July 1.

USG Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer Susan Herbst announced Levy’s interim appointment Wednesday.

“His scholarly standards, his integrity, and his dedication to both VSU and the state of Georgia will enable him to be a strong acting president,” Herbst said. “I cannot believe our good fortune, to have someone as talented as Lou, ready and willing to take the presidential helm. Most important of all, he cares deeply about the faculty, staff, and students of Valdosta, and we need his vision and steady hand.”

He came to VSU in Aug. 1989 and was a professor and head of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice until Nov. 1995.

Levy was provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, from Oct. 2008- Dec. 2010. Prior to that, he was vice president of Academic Affairs from July 2002-Sept. 2008 and served as the acting vice president of Academic Affairs from July 2000-2002.

Levy was assistant vice president for Academic Affairs from Nov. 1995-June 2000. Levy retired in 2010, but is returning to temporarily fill the president’s position.

Schloss began his presidency at VSU in fall 2008, and enjoyed his run and the many memories made at VSU.

“It was very difficult,” Schloss said. “I love the school, the staff, and I have chosen to move forward in stride. This is a bigger scale and a bigger mission, being able to work with other schools is critically needed.”

Student Government Association President Demario Jones believes that Schloss’ leadership will be effective in his future projects.

“I believe he’s done a great job,” Jones said. “What he has done for VSU, he will do for USG. He has done a lot with the retention rates; USG gained a great asset.”

Schloss assures VSU that plans made in last year’s budget plan will continue, like construction on new dorms by the University Center, and the new Psychology Building on Main Campus.

“The budget plans are appropriately planned, and there are many more projects on the way,” Schloss said.  Some of the plans include the renovations in Ashley Hall for the Religious Studies department and North Campus.

Some of Schloss’ fondest memories include moments with students. “I really enjoyed creating relationships and meeting extraordinary people,” Schloss said. “I’ve gotten to know so many of the students. They have visited my home and I’m glad I can call them my friends. I really had some good times.”

Schloss wishes the best for the faculty, staff and students as well as the new president. “Enjoy your time at presidency,” he said.