President Simpson's decision to retire was not impulsive and did not come as a result of Albany's actions.
Instead, Simpson knew he'd be leaving UB roughly five months ago, but with the Public Higher Education Empowerment and Innovation Act pending approval, Simpson was reluctant to announce his decision.
"The legislature doesn't dictate my life," Simpson said. "The fact that it acts one way or another at the end of the day isn't going to determine what I do. Having said that, if I had the intention of announcing [my retirement] in June, then whatever chance we had of the legislation passing would've been lessened. That's why I stalled – I thought it would help the university."
Simpson announced his retirement to the UB Council early on Aug. 30 and informed the public later that day. There was nothing symbolic about his announcement falling on the first day of classes, but instead was just how the timing worked out.
Western New York media outlets falsely related Simpson's retirement to the actions of SUNY and claimed that UB 2020 was no longer achievable.
"Some parts of the local media have tried to put words in my mouth, saying that I quit because I didn't like what the legislature did. To think that New York drove me out because I'm disappointed or angry is simply not the case," Simpson said. "I've worked at other [Association of American Universities] public universities in Illinois, California and Washington, and they're all a mess [financially]. These are the issues that you take on if you agree to do a job like mine."
As for the claim that UB 2020 will end with Simpson's departure, the president insisted that the plan is far greater than his contributions. The university will push forward and continue to reach the goals that have been set forth.
"I may have helped set up conditions to help [UB 2020] move forward and acted to encourage various kinds of activities, but at the end of the day it's the university's plan," Simpson said. "The fact that it's been supported and adopted by the business community is terrific. All of these things ensure that the plan has viability and staying power that transcends any one individual."
As an individual, Simpson has future plans of his own.
Simpson set a goal to retire by the age of 60 when he was a college student. He may be three years behind schedule, but remains excited to pursue other goals.
"I'm 63, which is young enough to do a lot of things but old enough to think about [retirement]," Simpson said. "…I'm interested in pursuing things that are beyond what I've done in the past seven years here."
After leaving Buffalo, Simpson hopes to publish a theoretical review in the field of physiology, sharpen his wood building skills and attack a pile of books that has grown steadily during his tenure at UB. Despite his excitement to return to the West Coast, spend time with his family and accomplish goals, the decision to leave Buffalo has been bittersweet.
Nostaja's appointment rescinded
President Simpson has explained his plans for his future, but the future of UB's leadership remains unclear.
Just before Simpson declared his retirement on Aug. 30, UB Council Chairman Jeremy M. Jacobs announced that Scott D. Nostaja, UB's senior vice president and chief operations officer, would "serve as interim President following Simpson's retirement."
The appointment, however, had not been confirmed according to Simpson. The president explained that with the recommendation of SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher, the SUNY Board of Trustees decides whom to appoint.
"First of all, I don't have the authority or the right or the privilege – nor should I – to appoint my successor," Simpson said. "If we end up needing an interim president it's not my appointment to make. At the end of the day, the SUNY trustees make the appointment, not me and not Jeremy Jacobs."
There is no timetable for when the trustees will choose an interim president, however a decision must be made before Simpson retires on Jan. 15.
Nostaja, who Simpson believes is capable of holding the position, has fallen under heavy criticism since Jacobs' announcement.
Robert Hoeing, associate professor of linguistics and chair of the faculty senate, sent an e-mail to voting faculty members discrediting the appointment of Nostaja. He claimed that the UB Council overstepped their authority and failed to follow proper due process when appointing the interim president. Additionally, Hoeing mentioned Nostaja's lack of post-secondary education and challenged his ability to serve as an interim university president.
"After intensive conversations with several parties over the last three days, I concur with concerned faculty that the proposed appointment is both illegitimate, due to a complete lack of due process, and inappropriate, due to a lack of minimal academic qualifications of the candidate," Hoeing said in an e-mail.
Initially, Nostaja was excited to be named interim president and was hopeful that he would earn the job permanently. After criticisms surfaced and the process of appointment was challenged, Nostaja asked that his name not be recommended at this time to the Board of Trustees.
"I've appreciated the many expressions of support I've received from faculty, staff, alumni, and community leaders. At the same time, I recognize that some members of the university would like to have given their views as this recommendation was being considered," Nostaja said in an e-mail to faculty. "I have asked that my name not be put forward to the Board of Trustees at this time in order to give our faculty, staff and students the opportunity to provide input into the priorities facing the university, and the qualities, characteristics, qualifications and experiences necessary to fill the post of interim president."
What remains unclear, however, is whether or not Nostaja was wrongfully named interim president preceding Simpson's announcement of retirement. The media was informed that Nostaja would serve as the interim president; however UB officials never had the authority to make that decision and claim that they simply recommended a candidate.
It's certain that President Simpson will be retiring in January, but what remains unclear is who will fill the position when he leaves.
