The University of Virginia's College at Wise will have a new interim chancellor starting this May, University President John T. Casteen, III announced Tuesday.
Ernest H. Ern will replace Wise's outgoing chancellor Steven H. Kaplan, who is leaving to become president of the University of New Haven, Kaplan said.
"It's a wonderful thing," Kaplan said. "He is very experienced and the perfect person to do this."
Ern served the University for 38 years before retiring in 2000. He joined the University in 1962 as an assistant geology professor. Three years later, he was named the assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Ern also served as the dean of admissions and vice president for student affairs, University spokesperson Carol Wood said.
"Ernie Ern was much loved as an administrator and probably knew every student when he was the V.P. for Student Affairs," Wood said. "He has had the respect and admiration of anybody that knew him. The College [at Wise] is fortunate to have him even for a year."
In addition to his contributions to the University, Ern also has received several awards. In 1993, the Board of Visitors honored Ern by creating the Ernest H. Ern Distinguished Professorship in Environmental Sciences and naming him an official University professor, which allowed him to teach at any of the University's schools. In 1998, he was given the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award for excellence of character and service to humanity, Wood said.
"I am delighted Ernie Ern has agreed to take on the chancellorship at Wise," Casteen said in a press release. "He will provide steady leadership that will ensure that the College continues its progress during this year of transition. I am committed to supporting him in every possible way, and I look forward to working alongside him in the coming year."
Ern will lead Wise's administrative team while the College pursues reaffirmation of its accreditation. In addition, he will manage academic programs, financial matters, campus life, private fundraising and local and state relationships. He also will be the contact person between Wise and the University's Board of Visitors, Wood said.
"Throughout my various administrative assignments in Charlottesville, my personal and professional associations with faculty and staff at the College at Wise and with friends in Southwest Virginia have been especially meaningful, productive and enjoyable in every way," Ern said in a press release.
Ern, who is coming out of retirement, has the skills and experience to keep the College of Wise moving forward with its current initiative, Casteen said.
Ern's appointment will be up for approval at the University's Board meeting today, Wood said.
"Accordingly, my wife and I very much look forward to serving the College and the University during this transitional period in the most effective way possible," Ern said.
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