OIST President and CEO Peter Gruss Opts to Shorten Second Term
President Peter Gruss will step down at the end of this year.
Dr. Peter Gruss, President and CEO of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), announced today that he will step down at the end of this year. Following a successful five-year term, Dr. Gruss has been in discussions with OIST’s Board of Governors (BOG) regarding his reappointment. While the BOG offered Dr. Gruss a full second term, he has decided to accept reappointment as President and CEO of OIST for one additional year, to December 31, 2022.
The last five years have seen many achievements at OIST, but there have also been challenges in terms of financing the university’s envisioned size and strategic plan. Dr. Gruss’s belief in the long-term vision for OIST is unchanged, and OIST must continue to lobby for the government support necessary to maintain momentum to reach its targeted critical mass of 300 principal investigators (research group leaders). This work should best be done by a person who can provide a perspective of about 10 years to secure OIST’s future and vision.
Given his remaining working lifespan, Dr. Gruss has decided that he cannot make himself available for such a long-term endeavor. Therefore, and in accordance with Rules of Operation for BOG, OIST Board chair Dr. Cherry Murray and a search committee will commence the recruitment process for Dr. Gruss’s successor as soon as possible.
Dr. Gruss will continue to serve OIST after December 2022 in an advisory capacity focusing on the development of the innovation park currently known as the North Campus.
