Forsee resigns as UM System president

University of Missouri President Gary Forsee has resigned.
Forsee told curators during a meeting in Columbia today that he is quitting, effective immediately, “solely for personal reasons.” 
Forsee told curators his wife Sherry is recovering well from recent surgery and will “soon begin a treatment regimen to ensure she remains cancer-free,” according to a news release from the UM System.
Curators Chairman Warren Erdman said the board appointed General Counsel Steve Owens as interim president and has started the process of searching  for a new president. Owens has been filling in for Forsee since he took a leave of absence on Dec. 2.
Forsee’s departure after three years in office comes as the university system is facing significant state budget cuts in the coming months. The university also is considering major changes to the retirement system, a move from a defined benefit plan to an Individual Retirement Account system widely adopted in the private sector and initiated by Forsee.  
The university statement said Erdman expressed confidence in the ability of the campus chancellors and system officers to continue taking on the tough issues facing higher education in Missouri.