UPEI president Alaa Abd-El-Aziz resigns, citing health
CBC
Alaa Abd-El-Aziz is resigning from his position as president of the University of Prince Edward Island.
Abd-El-Aziz made the decision due to his health, he said in a statement distributed by the university on Tuesday.
"The last few months have been very difficult, and my health has suffered for it," he said. "Therefore, it is with much regret that I announce that I have decided to retire from UPEI, effective immediately.
"This is much sooner than I had ever anticipated, and I am disappointed that I will not be able to complete projects I have been working on."
Abd-El-Aziz assumed the UPEI presidency in 2011. Recently, the university had announced he'd agreed to extend his term until 2025.
During his tenure, the university opened the Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation and began work on the new UPEI residence building.
Most recently, UPEI announced the creation of a faculty of medicine in partnership with Memorial University in Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the expansion of its nursing school.
"I am very grateful to the many colleagues and students I have worked with on several program and campus initiatives over the last decade that have allowed us to help students reach their full potential," Abd-El-Aziz said. "I have sincerely enjoyed working with you at this wonderful institution."