5/22/06 Contact: Deedie Dowdle, 334/844-9999 (ddowdle@auburn.edu)

VERES NAMED INTERIM AUM CHANCELLOR

MONTGOMERY - John G. Veres III, who has served Auburn University Montgomery for 29 years as a researcher, faculty member and administrator, is AUM’s new interim chancellor, Auburn University interim President Ed Richardson announced today.

The appointment of Veres, currently executive director of AUM’s Office of University Outreach, is subject to the approval of the AU Board of Trustees. The trustees’ next meeting is June 30 in Auburn. If approved, Veres’ appointment will become effective in July.

“Dr. Veres inherits an institution with a strong foundation and tremendous potential,” Richardson said. “His experience with connecting the academic community with business and government make him the ideal choice to lead AUM during this promising time.”

“I am gratified that Dr. Richardson has the confidence in me to allow me this opportunity, particularly in light of the strong qualifications and achievements of the other two finalists,” Veres said. “It’s an honor to be chosen and an honor to follow (current AUM Chancellor) Dr. Guin Nance, who has led AUM with grace and dignity.

“I believe that my experience has prepared me to guide AUM as it faces emerging challenges and explores new opportunities. Along with the students, faculty, staff and alumni, I’m confident that we can identify ways to strengthen this university’s academics, outreach and our position in the Montgomery community.”

In addition to almost 30 years as a university employee, Veres also earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology from AUM before earning a doctorate in industrial and organizational psychology at AU’s main campus.

As executive director of AUM’s University Outreach, a position he has held for more than six years, Veres directs the work of four AUM centers - The Center for Advanced Technologies, The Center for Business and Economic Development, The Center for Demographic Research and The Center for Government and Public Affairs. Together, these centers oversee more than $9 million in contracts and employ 28 full-time staffers. Combined, the centers conduct a variety of applied research and provide consulting services that include economic forecasting, equal employment opportunity and public policy formation for an array of government and corporate clients.

“I’m proud to be an AUM graduate and the first graduate of AUM to have the opportunity to serve the university as chancellor, even if only on an interim basis,” Veres said. “That an AUM graduate will soon hold the position of chancellor marks sort of a milestone in the development of this university.”

Veres succeeds Nance, who is retiring Sept. 1 after more than six years as chancellor and 35 years of overall service to the 5,000-student university. Nance’s last working day will be in July.

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