Controversial New York University President John Sexton — who received several votes of "no confidence" from various faculty bodies this past year — will end his presidency in 2016, the university announced today.
During his presidency Sexton helmed extensive expansionist plans both in NYU's East Village neighborhood and abroad that garnered much outspoken resistance. Additionally, NYU saw tuition prices rise dramatically — being named Business Insider's most expensive college— as well as other embarrassing revelations, such as the school funding ritzy vacation homes for star faculty members.
In a statement, the NYU Board of Trustees said that they are "extremely satisfied with the direction and leadership of the University." However, Sexton's "agreement with the University to serve as President extends to 2016 and he has made clear that he will not serve beyond that."
The statement also revealed that NYU will discontinue its practice of financing faculty's mortgages towards vacation homes, a practice which gained attention following a New York Times article in June. All mortgage assistance will now go through a series of administrative bodies and "must conform to current University standards, including the restriction that they be used only for primary residencies."
Most people seemed to react to the news of Sexton's departure with surprise, but some took to Twitter to express their happiness and excitement:
Hollaaaa to Sexton leaving NYU.
— Adam Pyarali (@AdamPyarali) August 14, 2013
"@NYULocal: Sexton To Depart After 2016, NYU Backtracks On Vacation Home Loans http://t.co/JWhD1NX8W7" Thank you Based God
— Lou Guberti (@LGuberti) August 14, 2013
Finally, some good news. MT @NYULocal: In a university-wide email, the Board announced Sexton will not return after his tenure ends in 2016.
— allison brown (@henrystreetedit) August 14, 2013
a typical new yorker hates john sexton more than michael bloomberg
— Nora Chang (@noraburrito) August 14, 2013