"I will have served in this role for more than nine years, a long time by national standards," he said. "I ...]]> Former NEBHE President and U.S. Congressman Robert A. Weygand will leave his position as the University of Rhode Island's vice president for administration and finance at the end of the fiscal year in June 2013.

"I will have served in this role for more than nine years, a long time by national standards," he said. "I must admit, it seems like it was yesterday that I started."

Since taking the URI position in 2004, the university has invested nearly $500 million in physical improvements for students, faculty and staff, and streamlined its business practices, including improving its  financial systems, paperless forms, travel services, purchasing, auditing and internal controls.

A landscape architect by training, Weygand also noted: "I am personally and professionally proud of our work to 'green the campus' with new quadrangles and numerous green spaces for students, faculty, staff and visitors."

Weygand was president and CEO of NEBHE from 2001 to 2004, where he wrote the following "Message from the President" columns for Connection (NEJHE's predecessor)  ...

Higher Education Reorganization: To Move a Pachyderm, Robert A. Weygand, Spring 2003

Eleanor McMahon: Education Pioneer, Robert A. Weygand, Fall 2002

Is There a Future for Public Higher Education?, Robert A. Weygand, Spring 2002

The announcement of Weygand's departure also noted that Peter Alfonso, vice president for research and economic development, will leave his position at the end of this fiscal year.