RICHMOND, Ky. (AP) -- The president of Eastern Kentucky University is retiring.
Doug Whitlock announced his plans Wednesday during a speech at the Richmond campus.
A news release from the university says Whitlock's retirement will be effective July 31, 2013, a year before his contract was to expire.
Whitlock said during his speech he wanted to retire before the start of a pending capital campaign and before the next biennial budget session in the Kentucky General Assembly in 2014. He also said he wanted spend more time with his grandchildren.
Gary Abney, chair of the EKU Board of Regents, said the board will send out a request for proposals to retain a search firm.
Whitlock, an EKU graduate, has served in various capacities at the school for more than 40 years.
