(WECK 1230) — University at Buffalo president John Simpson revealed Monday that he will retire as UB’s 14th president.

UB’s 14th president will only serve 15 days of 2011 before returning home to be close to his family in California, but don’t kid yourselves. The family man wasn’t so much heading home as he was quitting New York State.

“It would be less than forthright not to note that this difficult decision has been made somewhat easier by Albany’s failure to give UB and SUNY the policy tools and stable support needed to fully achieve this university’s great potential,” Simpson said.

It’s been a mere 26 days since Simpson responded to the state’s shunning of UB in their latest budget with vigor, stating,

“Our fight is not over. I am calling on all UB supporters to urge Albany’s leaders to continue their talks and find a way to enact the reforms we need in order to create a better future for Western New York. Together, we must continue to challenge the status quo, to be resolved in our commitment for the future, and remain true to our values, mission, and vision.”

I have to wonder what happened in the last month to lead Simpson into calling it quits. Perhaps he learned his desires for the success of the university faced even more obstacles than what he’s seen in the past.

What’s sure is that this status quo needs more than a challenge… it needs a revolution.

Email: nickonweck@gmail.com