W. DALE NELSON Star-Tribune correspondent | Posted: Friday, March 31, 2006 12:00 am
LARAMIE n After a months-long, up-and-down, merry-go-round ride, Tom Buchanan said Friday he is glad to be back at work as president of the University of Wyoming and able to focus on his job.
UW trustees voted Thursday to end the presidential search in which Buchanan, in the president's chair since July 1, became a candidate in October, was included among eight semifinalists in February, was passed over when finalists were chosen in March and was put back into the mix after a chorus of support arose on the campus, only to have the two other finalists withdraw.
Thursday's vote by the trustees essentially puts Buchanan back where he was at the time of his appointment. He is president until and unless the trustees decide to start the presidential search over again. This could be as early as June 30, when his one-year contract ends.
"I'm just pleased that we have a decision and I have the ability to get back to work," Buchanan said.