Taylor University’s president is resigning after three years leading the small, Christian school in Upland.  As IPR’s Stephanie Wiechmann reports, the university made national news this year for its choice of graduation speaker.

In a statement from Taylor University, Paul Lowell Haines did not give a reason for his resignation.  He only said it was the “greatest privilege and honor” of his life to serve as president of his alma mater.

Taylor spokesman Jim Garringer also did not give a reason for Haines’ departure.

“Dr. Haines felt that his time at Taylor as the president had drawn to an end,” says Garringer.  “So with that in mind, he went ahead and submitted his resignation.  The board supported him and were sad to learn that he had made this decision.”

In a statement, University Board of Trustees Chair Paige Cunningham says the board did not solicit or encourage Haines’ resignation.

Haines made national headlines this year when he invited Vice President Mike Pence to speak at Taylor’s graduation ceremony.  On that day in May, some students and faculty walked out during Pence’s speech.

Haines’ resignation is effective August 15.  The school says it will make an announcement about future leadership in a few weeks.  Garringer says it’s too early to say if an interim president will be named.