The Auburn University Board of Trustees have unanimously voted to confirm Jay Gogue as interim president, effective immediately. Gogue previously served as Auburn’s 18th president from 2007 to 2017.
University officials will soon launch a national presidential search, according to Wayne Smith, president pro tempore of the Auburn University Board of Trustees. The board accepted the resignation of President Steven Leath on June 21, and released a statement saying that the decision for Leath to leave was “mutually decided.”
At the time of his departure Leath said, “As I’ve said many times, serving as Auburn’s president has been the highlight of my career. I’m confident we leave Auburn stronger than when we arrived.”
While Auburn officials have not publicly stated why Leath left, local newspaper articles have stated that Leath’s micro-management style did not fit within the Auburn University culture and was seen as an intrusion into the domain of athletics.
Leath had served just two years of a five-year contract.
Upon appointment as interim president, Gogue said, “Susie and I love Auburn, and we’re honored to again serve the Auburn Family.” He will spend the next several days connecting with the student, faculty, staff and alumni leadership.
