No word yet on why Ferguson hated freedom

PrezBo’s letter after the jump

To the Columbia Community,

I am writing to let you know that Bruce Ferguson has resigned as
dean of the School of the Arts, effective June 30, 2006. I have
great appreciation for all that Bruce has accomplished in his six
years as dean, a time when the School significantly enhanced its
international and national prominence.

Bruce believes, as I do, that the arts should play a critical role,
especially in a great university located in the heart of a world
capital for arts and culture. I hope you will all join me in
thanking him for his great service to Columbia. We also wish him
well as he works at the Art Gallery of Ontario developing programs
for its future Frank Gehry building in Toronto, and consults with
the University of Miami regarding an arts graduate program and
Arizona State University to establish a new arts and media
initiative there.

I have asked Nick Dirks, Vice President for the Arts and Sciences,
to convene a search committee. Dan Kleinman has agreed to continue
as acting dean, so we know our School of the Arts continues to be in
able hands.

Sincerely,

Lee C. Bollinger