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J. Joe Adorjan Chairman Board of Trustees

TO: SLU Faculty, Staff and Students FROM: J. Joe Adorjan Chairman, Board of Trustees DATE: August 16, 2013 I write today to let you know of changes in the leadership of the University that will take place during the next two weeks, and of the decisions made by the Board of Trustees to ensure the ongoing effective operations of the institution. During the past several weeks, Father Biondi and I have had several discussions regarding Fathers desire to retire from day-to-day leadership of SLU and to transition to interim leadership as we begin the search for the next president of SLU. Father Biondi has shared with me his desire for the smoothest possible transition for Saint Louis University. I have the greatest respect and admiration for Father Biondi and for all that he has done for SLU, and I am hopeful that, as we soon begin the search for his successor, he can continue to provide his knowledge and insight to the Board. We all owe a great debt of gratitude to Father for giving so much of himself to make SLU the outstanding and respected institution it is. He has always kept the best interests of the University as his top priority in all decisions he has made, including this one. I know you join me in thanking him for leading SLU to be one of the finest universities in the country. Earlier today I convened a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Board to discuss the issues related to the leadership of the University and Father Biondis desire to retire from the day-to-day responsibilities of being president. In that meeting, the members of the Executive Committee approved an interim succession plan that will ensure the successful ongoing operations of the University. After discussion with and approval of the Executive Committee of the Board today, the following actions will take place: 1. Father Biondi will retire as president of SLU effective September 1, 2013. He will be named President Emeritus and will take a much-deserved one-year sabbatical effective on that date. During his sabbatical, he will continue his activities in building national and international support for Saint Louis University, but will have no day-to-day responsibilities for leadership of

the University. Upon his return, we will mutually agree upon a University role and title for Father so that we can continue to benefit from his considerable University experience. 2. Bill Kauffman, J.D., SLUs Vice President and General Counsel, will be named Interim President of the University. After consultation with Bill, he has agreed to serve in this position for this fiscal year or until such time as a successor is in place, but will not be a candidate for the presidency as the search begins. As you may know, Bill has served as General Counsel and Secretary of the Board for well over 18 years, and is the longest serving vice president on the Universitys Executive Staff. 3. In support of Bill Kauffmans appointment, an Office of the Chairman will be created and staffed by five key, current senior administrators who will work most directly with Bill and me on the operations of the University. These administrators are: Dr. Ellen Harshman, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Philip Alderson, Vice President for Medical Affairs; David Heimburger, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Bridget Fletcher, Vice President for Administration; and Dr. Kent Porterfield, Vice President for Student Development. I believe this partnership will ensure the smoothest possible transition and collaboration. 4. All of the current vice presidents of the University will continue to be members of the interim presidents Executive Staff, and there is every confidence from the Executive Committee that they will work collaboratively with the interim president and continue to manage their areas effectively. Bill Kauffman has great institutional knowledge and has the respect of his fellow vice presidents and members of the Board. Bill did not seek out this position; but he knows how important this next year will be, and I thank him for agreeing to take the interim president position and the responsibilities that come with it. I have no doubt that Bill, along with the new Office of the Chairman, will lead SLU admirably over the next year. I urge you to give Bill your support in the weeks and months ahead. I know that he will be communicating and meeting with many of you soon. The Board has the utmost confidence in the leadership team at SLU, including the vice presidents, deans of the colleges and schools, and the management team at SLUCare. What is most important during this transition is that we continue to provide the very best possible experience for our students and patients. I know that each of you will help in that effort. Next week, we will welcome new freshman and transfer students, and we will welcome back our returning students. All of them chose SLU because of its mission, values, quality and the sense of community that has been created here. That will not change. As you may have read in SLU Newslink Thursday, I expect the search process for the next president of SLU to begin in earnest right after the September 28 meeting of the Board of Trustees. I am confident that we will find the best possible person to be the next president of SLU, and I want that process to be as inclusive as possible. I know that the current leadership of the University will do everything possible to make these changes as smooth as possible, and your support will help make that possible. I thank you again for all that you do to make SLU the great University that it is.