My friend Chris Brown wrote in with the following:

UAH president announces plan to retire in 2007
Dr. Frank Franz, president of the University of Alabama in Huntsville since 1991, made a surprise announcement at todays UA trustees meeting here: He plans to retire at the end of the 2007 spring semester.

Franz told trustees, who were meeting in Huntsville, that hes approaching 70 years old and, as trustees often transition off the board when they hit 70, he felt a university president should also.

The announcement took the entire board and UAH staff by surprise. Dr. Malcolm Portera, chancellor of the UA system, said the system would begin formulating a search process to replace Franz once he retires.

Frank, I raise a glass to you. You’ve been a wise mentor and friend, a steady hand on UAH’s rudder. You have your critics, and they have their points, but I have appreciated your efforts over the years. I’m surprised that you’ve stayed this long, but I’m glad you have. I wish you all the best.