Nirschel resigns as RWU President

PBN Tuesday, July 6, 2010 BRISTOL – Roger Williams University President Roy Nirschel, who had led the school for the past nine years, has resigned, the university announced Tuesday afternoon.

RWU said the school’s Board of Trustees accepted Nirschel’s resignation on July 2 after he had met with Chairman Richard L. Bready last week.

Bready notified faculty, staff and students through e-mail Tuesday.

“Over the past several weeks, Dr. Nirschel and I have discussed the future direction of the University, and we came to the mutual decision that now is the right time for a change in leadership,” Bready said in the message. “Change is healthy, and the resignation of Dr. Nirschel marks an important turning point for this institution.”

In the separate RWU statement, Bready said, “Transitions at any institution present challenges and opportunities, and Roger Williams is well prepared and positioned for this one. “The Board of Trustees has established a search process for a new president, and the office of the chairman will appoint interim executive leadership shortly.”

The school credited Nirschel with accomplishing much during his tenure. “Roger Williams currently has a strong faculty, great academic programs, excellent facilities and a solid financial position,” RWU said.