Robert Bruininks, University executive vice president and provost, will leave his current position and return to the faculty of the College of Education and Human Development at the end of the academic year.

“I feel deeply honored to have had the opportunity to serve the University,” Bruininks said.

While he said the decision was to leave his job was difficult to make, he knows the University will be in the good hands of an “outstanding group of leaders.”

Bruininks said he is leaving because he misses researching, teaching and working with students.

He plans to study the development of children and adults and wants to research the policies and approaches to elementary and secondary education. He will also teach classes.

Besides returning to his research, Bruininks said he is leaving because he is “afflicted” with being interested in many different things.

He said he wants to spend more time with his family and he’d like to spend more time hiking, canoeing and kayaking.

University President Mark Yudof will organize a search committee to find candidates to replace Bruininks. He plans to have a successor named by the time Bruininks steps down.

Before serving as vice president and provost, Bruininks joined the University faculty in 1968 as an assistant professor of educational psychology.

During his years as a faculty member, Bruininks researched developmental education and educational- and human-service policy.

Bruininks also served as dean of the College of Education and Human Development for six years.

In 1997 Yudof appointed Bruininks to the position of executive vice president and provost.

“The positive impact of Bob’s leadership will be felt for years to come,” Yudof said in a statement. “We owe him our gratitude for the energy and dedication he’s brought to the position.”

As executive vice president and provost, Bruininks worked to improve accountability measures and communication between faculty and administration. He helped create and implement campus compacts, which guide programmatic development, resource allocation and accountability measures.

Bruininks also worked to improve research, undergraduate educational opportunities and the classroom environment.

The University has experienced enormous growth during the past few years, Bruininks said. “It’s a richly rewarding job.”

Liz Kohman welcomes comments at [email protected]