Temple President Ann Weaver Hart Leaving in June

Citing a need to be closer to family in Utah, Temple University President Ann Weaver Hart announced Friday that she will step down in June after six years.

Hart was hired as president in May 2006, leaving the University of New Hampshire. During her tenure, Temple completed its first comprehensive fundraising campaign, which raised more than $380 million, and launched its 20/20 campaign, which provided a framework for campus development.

Temple board chairman Patrick J. O’Connor said a national search for Hart’s replacement will begin immediately and hopefully be concluded before the start of the 2012 academic year.

Hart said she came to the decision after careful thought and consideration.

“I felt that it was important to make this announcement at the beginning of the year, so that the Temple Board of Trustees can embark on a thoughtful and measured nation-wide search for a new president for Temple University,” she said in a university news release.