I was surprised to see this headline from SLU’s student newspaper arrive in my Inbox this afternoon: “BREAKING NEWS: Provost Weixlmann on two-month leave.”

Joseph Weixlmann, who has been the provost (which is basically the chief academic officer) at SLU since 2003, is taking a two-month administrative leave from the university starting at the end of July. According to a university announcement, Weixlmann asked the Rev. Lawrence Biondi, SLU’s president, “to be placed on a two-month administrative leave for personal as well as professional reasons.”

“His future position at the University — whether administrative or teaching — will be determined at the conclusion of his leave,” the university said.

Both Weixlmann and Biondi make complimentary statements in the announcement –  and give little hint as to the reason for the change.

“My tenure as provost of Saint Louis University has been incredibly rewarding, and I am thankful for the opportunity to have worked with so many outstanding faculty, administrators, staff and students who care deeply about this University,” Weixlmann said in the university’s announcement. “I have been honored to serve as the University’s chief academic officer for the past seven years, and I look forward to new challenges after I return from administrative leave in the fall.”

Here’s Biondi:”Dr. Weixlmann has provided leadership and a true commitment to Jesuit education during his tenure as provost. Most of all, I know everyone at SLU respects Dr. Weixlmann for his academic achievements, personal integrity and commitment to working collaboratively across the University. Under his leadership, SLU’s academic reputation has continued to grow and prosper.”

Here’s one more quote from Biondi: “Dr. Weixlmann has helped position SLU for future academic, programmatic and research growth, and we will build on his accomplishments in the years ahead.”

Manoj Patankar, the dean of SLU’s Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology, has been appointed interim provost.

Hmm…

The Grade is the St. Louis region’s premier blog on education and child welfare. To read other recent posts, go to www.stltoday.com/thegrade.