Jay Gogue, Auburn's 18th president, was recommended as interim president after the departure of Auburn's 19th president.
The Board of Trustees Executive Committee recommended Gogue at a meeting Sunday at 1 p.m. via telephone conference call after members of the presidential assessment working group and Steven Leath mutually decided to part ways.
The committee also recommended to approve Leath's resignation, effective June 21.
The full Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on July 8 to consider the Executive Committee's recommendations.
Gogue served as president from 2007-2017 before retiring. Gogue received a bachelor's and master's degree from Auburn. He also received a doctoral degree in horticulture from Michigan State University.
If the recommendation is accepted by the board, Gogue will serve while Auburn conducts a national search for president.
The Executive Committee also appointed Lt. Gen. Ron Burgess as executive vice president of the University. He will oversee administrative affairs until an interim president is appointed.
"As I've said many times, serving as Auburn's president has been the highlight of my career," Leath said in a press release from the University on Friday. "I'm confident we leave Auburn stronger than when we arrived."
At Gogue's final Board of Trustees' meeting before retiring, the board approved a resolution to name Auburn's new performing arts center in honor of the former president and First Lady. The center is set to open in the fall of 2019.
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