Search Begins to Find Successor to National University President

The search has begun at National University to replace the school’s President David Chigos, who decided Tuesday to assume the role of president emeritus.

While the quest for Chigos’ replacement is on, Murray C. Cook, National University’s vice president of administration, will be the school’s interim president.

Chigos, 55, one of the founders and the force behind opening the institution in 1972, had been thinking of retiring for the past three years, said National University spokeswoman Arleen Tuchscher.

When Chigos designed the program for the university, he had in mind older students who work full time. He created a curriculum offering undergraduate and graduate classes for adult students seeking degrees.

“He’s been with the university for 17 years and he said he’s ready to spend time with his family,” Tuchscher said. “He said that all the innovations we’ve inspired have taken place, and he’s very comfortable with his decision to retire.”

Chigos’ choice to step aside as the school’s president came somewhat as a surprise to the members of the board of trustees, who said they accept his request with “appreciation and regret.”

“The board, faculty and students acknowledge David Chigos for his visionary leadership,” said Sylvia Tucker, a trustee. “He instituted a university with a creative format to meet the needs of working adults--we regret losing his leadership.”

Several weeks ago, the university was ordered to pay $1.5 million in a lawsuit over wrongful termination.

Although Chigos’ name appeared in the lawsuit, Tuchscher said his resignation and the lawsuit are unrelated.

“His decision reiterates what he told his colleagues 16 years ago when he established the school,” Tucker said. “He would remain at the university until it became national; he now feels he’s accomplished that.”