Telling sources that his vision didn’t fit with the way others see the role, Rutgers University-New Brunswick Chancellor Dr. Debasish “Deba” Dutta suddenly stepped down Tuesday after one year in the position.
The problem seemed to be a difference of opinion between Dutta and the president, Dr. Robert Barchi, about the role of chancellor and how the position should evolve, according to a story in NJ Spotlight.
In a story in the Daily Targum, the school’s independent newspaper, Dutta wrote in a letter to students: “(It) has become clear that my vision for the chancellorship is not in alignment with that of the University. It is only fair that I step aside and let the University select a new leader for the New Brunswick campus.”
The action was effective immediately and Dutta will serve as a distinguished professor in the school of engineering. He will continue to receive his chancellor’s salary of $480,000 during a one-year sabbatical.
“A year is a good time to take a look back and see if something is working or not … it was just not a good fit,” said Pete McDonough, Rutgers senior vice president for external affairs.
Barchi named Dr. Christopher Molloy as interim chancellor. In a letter to the campus community, Barchi wrote, in part:
“Dr. Dutta served admirably as chancellor of Rutgers–New Brunswick. During his year as chancellor, Deba oversaw a significant administrative restructuring of the campus and met well the challenges of such an awesome responsibility.
