Embry-Riddle President George Ebbs Steps Down

NEWS RELEASE

Communications and Marketing Office
600 S. Clyde Morris Blvd.
Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3900

For more information, contact:
Phone: 386-226-6157
Fax: 386-226-6158

Embry-Riddle President George Ebbs Steps Down

Daytona Beach, Fla., Nov. 16, 2005 -- Dr. George Ebbs, president of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, will step down Nov. 30, 2005, after seven years as the university’s top official.

Ebbs came to the university in 1998 after a successful career as CEO of an aerospace consulting firm based in Park City, Utah. Since his arrival at Embry-Riddle, enrollments and research activity have increased at the residential campuses in Daytona Beach and Prescott, Ariz., and at more than 130 Extended Campus teaching centers in the United States, Europe, Canada, and the Middle East.

Ebbs notified the Embry-Riddle Board of Trustees of his decision at a meeting in Prescott this past weekend, where the Board completed a six-month study about the state of the university and the best ways to move forward.

“Having been part of that process, and now reflecting on those changes and new directions, it is clear to me that it is time for a new president to step forward and work with the Board to implement its agenda,” Ebbs said. The university Provost, Dr. John Johnson, will take over as interim president. Over the next year, the Board will conduct a national search for a new leader.

“Many aspects of my vision, my hopes, and my dreams for this institution have been realized,” Ebbs said. “We are academically strong, financially sound, and recognized as the leader in aviation and aerospace education worldwide.” He added, “I want to leave on a high note, and this surely is it.”

Ebbs also said that he is looking forward to the opportunity for “renewal” and to spend quality time with his family. He said he also will consider some new challenges.

“I leave you in person, but not in spirit,” Ebbs told a gathering of university staff and faculty. “It has truly been a privilege to have been one of the family, and to play a small part in the progress of this great university.”

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world’s largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, offers more than 30 degree programs in its colleges of Arts and Sciences, Aviation, Business, and Engineering and meets the needs of students and industry through educational, training, research, and consulting activities. Embry-Riddle educates more than 30,000 students annually in undergraduate and graduate programs at residential campuses in Prescott, Ariz., and Daytona Beach, Fla., through the Extended Campus at more than 130 centers in the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East, and through distance learning.