A retired four-star U.S. Air Force general, Foglesong came to the school in 2006 and had recently become the target of several passionate students and some faculty and alumni who blamed him for everything from removing daffodils on the campus to architecture students not being allowed to display projects in a window. He also had been questioned about his lack of attendance at faculty senate meetings.
“That did not figure into this decision that I’m aware of,” Commissioner of Higher Education Tom Meredith said after the state College Board met Friday to discuss Foglesong’s June 30 resignation.
In a prepared statement, Foglesong, 62, said: “With the express purpose of helping the university move forward, I have asked the commissioner of higher education that I be relieved as president not later than June 30, 2008.” He would not elaborate.
Fogelsong earned $429,000 a year in state salary and additional supplements.
Meredith said that Foglesong came to MSU with a number of goals in mind, “and after two years he’s accomplished most of those goals and he thinks it’s time for the institution to have a transition in leadership.”
“This is a major loss for our system and for Mississippi State University,” Meredith said in a statement. “Under Dr. Foglesong’s leadership, Mississippi State is currently enjoying its best year in many years, which is evidenced by its enrollment growth, its increase in research productivity and numerous other positive changes at the institution.”
Meredith said Friday a search for Foglesong’s replacement was “not imminent.”
Clarion Ledger
3/8/8
