It is with mixed feelings and sincere congratulations that I announce that Hal White, our executive vice president for the past eight years, has been offered an important and unique opportunity to serve over the next year as Visiting Fellow of Earth Jurisprudence at Schumacher College in Devon, England, U.K. Earth Jurisprudence is an important new field of law rapidly growing around the world.

Based upon the combination of his exemplary service to UWF and the prestigious nature of this unique opportunity, I have agreed that Dr. White can enter his sabbatical Aug. 1 in order to pursue this fellowship. Upon completion of his sabbatical, Hal will return to UWF as university professor and senior administrative fellow to the president. I think this opportunity will be a wonderful experience for Hal and will bring prestige to UWF via this academic honor.

I want to express my special gratitude for his service during my first two years as president. He has been instrumental in so many areas of university life during that time. I will certainly miss him and his wealth of knowledge on a day-to-day basis, but he is not leaving, just changing roles.

Upon Dr. White’s departure on sabbatical, Mike Dieckmann, chief information officer and senior associate vice president of University Affairs, will serve as interim vice president of University Affairs. I know from my own experience that Mike is well prepared and more than ready to fill some big shoes. We will conduct a national search during the coming year.

Please join me in congratulating Hal on this prestigious honor and welcoming Mike into the role of interim vice president.

Sincerely,

Judy Bense

President, University of West Florida

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