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Steven Leath is leaving as Auburn University president, the university announced in a Friday night news release.

The decision was mutual between Leath and members of the board of trustees’ presidential assessment working group and came “after extensive discussions about the university’s leadership,” according to the release.

“Dr. Leath arrived with vision and enthusiasm to take Auburn to the next level,” said Wayne T. Smith, who was elected earlier this month as president pro tempore of the board of trustees. “We’re grateful for his dedication and commitment as Auburn made strides as a world-class public university. We wish Steve and Janet all the best.”

When asked if a departure date is set, a member of the president’s staff said more information will be available in the coming days.

Smith said the board will soon convene to name an interim president, according to the release.

“As I’ve said many times, serving as Auburn’s president has been the highlight of my career,” the release quotes Leath as saying. “I’m confident we leave Auburn stronger than when we arrived.”

Before coming to the Plains two years ago, in June 2017, Leath was president at Iowa State.