January 30, 2009

To the Trinity University Community:

On Friday, January 23, 2009 I announced Dr. John Brazil’s decision to retire as president of the University in January 2010.  He informed the Board of Trustees of his intention at the conclusion of our regularly scheduled meeting held that day.

Dr. Brazil became Trinity’s 17^th president in 1999.  During his tenure, Dr. Brazil’s vision for Trinity has been transformational:  to make an excellent University an outstanding University by building aggressively on its considerable accomplishments.  John and Janice Brazil’s leadership over the past decade has ensured that Trinity continues to be in the front ranks of America’s finest colleges and universities.  They have also been good friends to us all and will be greatly missed.

In recognition of Dr. Brazil’s leadership, the Board of Trustees has voted unanimously to present him with the Distinguished Service Award.

Very soon the search process for the next president will begin.  Trustee John R. (J. R.) Hurd of San Antonio has accepted the appointment as chair of the search committee.  I will also appoint the other members of the committee which will be composed of seven trustees, five faculty members, and a representative of the student body and the administrative staff.

We will use an outside executive search consultant, conduct a nationwide search for the very best candidates, and are confident the presidency of Trinity University will be a very attractive appointment that will draw a large pool of superb candidates.  We also invite the entire University community – trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents, and friends – to nominate candidates for consideration.  In addition, we welcome your comments about the qualities that we should seek in a new president. Please put them in writing to Mr. Hurd or me.

We anticipate that candidates will want to be assured that the search process will be conducted with confidentiality and discretion, and it is important that the candidates not be subject to avoidable speculation or rumor.  At the same time, we want to keep the University community apprised of the progress of the search.  This will be done by means of periodic updates on the University Web site as the committee’s work plan progresses.

Let me take this opportunity to thank each of you for all that you do for our great University.  With your support and dedication, enormous strides have been made during Dr. Brazil’s presidency.  We will make every effort to select a new president who will provide the leadership needed to build upon these achievements.

Sincerely,

George C. (Tim) Hixon '64
Chairman, Board of Trustees

Comments regarding desired qualities for the new president and nominations for consideration by the search committee should be addressed to Mr. John R. (J.R.) Hurd, Chairman, Hurd Enterprises, LTD, 7373 Broadway, Suite 200, San Antonio, TX 78209 or Mr. George C. (Tim) Hixon, Past Chairman, Hixon Properties, 315 East Commerce St., Suite 300, San Antonio, TX 78205.  Fax no. for Mr. Hurd is 829-5061; for Mr. Hixon, 225-5910.