Trani to retire one year earlier than planned

    After a controversy-filled summer, President Eugene P. Trani announced he is to retire as VCU president July 1, 2009, a year earlier than planned.
    Trani held a press conference this past Thursday to say he is stepping down because of health issues. He underwent a quintuple coronary-artery bypass a month ago.
    “The surgery just changed everything, no question,” Trani said.
He refused to comment on scandals this summer, which involved the improper awarding of a degree to former Richmond Police Chief Rodney Monroe and VCU’s research relationship with Philip Morris USA.
    Monroe’s degree has been contested because he took only two courses at VCU—university rules require students to take at least 21 course at the university.
    The research relationship with the tobacco giant has caused concern since it was announced this summer.
    “If I have one regret about what’s gone on this summer, it is there is an air of fear and intimidation at VCU,” Trani said. “That’s not the VCU I know.”
    Despite recognizing these past months as “a summer of challenge,” Trani said his announcement has nothing to do with the controversies. He will remain part of the faculty as a professor of history.