Brandeis President Jehuda Reinharz to step down; says decision not due to museum controversy

President of Brandeis University to step down

WALTHAM, Mass. — The president of Brandeis University, who came under intense criticism for recommending that the school close its art museum and sell parts of its $350 million collection, says he is stepping down.

Jehuda Reinharz (juh-HUDE’-uh RYNE’-hartz) told the school’s trustees this week he will remain on the job until a new president has been selected, or until June 2011.

Reinharz told The Justice student newspaper, which first reported the resignation, that his decision had nothing to do with the uproar caused by his recommendation in January to close the Rose Art Museum. He says he’s stepping down because he has met his goals.

Since Reinharz took over in 1994, the university has gone on a building spree, established new academic programs, and tripled its endowment.