Lingnan University President Chan Yuk-Shee resigns, a Search Committee for new president established

15 Oct 2012

 
 

At its meeting today, the Council of Lingnan University was informed of President Chan Yuk-Shee’s decision to resign his presidency due to his personal and health considerations. President Chan has recovered well from his recent illness; however, he believed it is in the best interest of the University to initiate a search of his successor soon so as to provide a more stable and longer term leadership to the University as it makes its great strides in the implementation of the University’s four-year liberal arts curriculum.

On behalf of the University Council, Council Chairman the Honourable Bernard Charnwut Chan expressed deep appreciation to President Chan for his dedication, and is proud of the University’s achievements under his leadership in the past five years inter alia leading to 100% student residency by 2013, 50% student exchange rate and ensuring a smooth transition to the new 3-3-4 academic system. The University Council also wished President Chan good health and look forward very much to his staunch support and sage advice in Lingnan’s quest for excellence.

The Council at its same meeting resolved to set up an eight-member committee to search for a new President. The membership of the Search Committee is as follows:

Chairman: Chairman of the Council
Members: Deputy Chairman of the Council
                  Treasurer of the Council
                  Chairman of the Court
                  Chairman of the Lingnan Education Organization Limited
                  One lay Council member
                  One Council member elected among all eligible staff
                  One Council member elected by the Senate
Observer: Student Council member

As staff and students are two major stakeholders in the University, the Search Committee would consult representatives from these two groups on the criteria for the appointment of the new President. The search process will be transparent to the maximum extent possible, and staff and students will be updated of the progress from time to time.

The Council noted that it would be ideal if the new President can be selected soon enough and can assume presidency in September 2013, at the start of the 2013/14 academic year. Nevertheless, the Council is very grateful to President Chan for offering to continue to serve as President from September 2013 if the University needs more time for the search so as to ensure a smooth transition.