Boston University Executive Vice President Joseph Mercurio announced Monday that he would resign his post, ending a 38-year career at BU.
Describing his decision to end his tenure at BU, Mercurio said it was a personal decision that he came to with relatively little debate.
“There was nothing very complicated about it,” Mercurio said in an interview with The Daily Free Press. “This is just the right time to do it. I’m young enough and I’ve got creative ideas I want to move forward with.”
Mercurio said he is looking forward to moving into the world of commercial business.
“I wanted to move out of institutional work,” he said. “I want to invest in the creative ideas and opportunities that presently surround me.”
Mercurio’s tenure at BU, while memorable, allowed him very little time to pursue these kinds of creative opportunities, he said.
“As a leader at BU, your time isn’t your own,” Mercurio said. “Your nights and your weekends aren’t your own.”
Mercurio will resign his postion on June 30, while remaining on in advisory capacity until September.
BU will not attempt to fill the position of executive vice president of the university, Mercurio said. The administration will instead go through reorganization.
One of the more notable projects Mercurio worked on while at BU was the development of the Student Villiage.
“It was something that we worked on for 12 to 14 years,” Mercurio said. “I think something that really benefits students, and something that BU can be proud of.”
Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore said while Mercurio will be missed by university administration, he admires Mercurio’s decision.
“I’m very happy for him,” Elmore said. “He will be missed, he is someone who really cares about the BU community.”
Elmore emphasized the resonating effect that Mercurio had on BU through the various projects he had been a part of during his time at the university.
“A lot of the aspects of community around here that students can be proud of, [Mercurio] had a part of,”Elmore said.
Mercurio said that while he is looking forward to his transition into commercial business, he will miss the family that he has created for himself at BU.
“I have literally hundreds of friends here,” Mercurio said. “I’m going to miss everyone who has left an impression on me at BU.”
The response from Mercurio’s coworkers in hearing of his resignation has ranged, he said.
“These are all people I’ve worked with for many years,” Mercurio said. “There has been some sadness, but I think everyone understands this is not a sad decision.”
Mercurio’s career at BU began when he took an entry-level position at BU in 1973 so he could afford tuition at the university.
For the last 16 years, Mercurio has served in his current position.
“I will remember my time at BU fondly,” Mercurio said. “I have learned so much as a result of working at this university.”
President Robert Brown sent out a letter to university administration on Friday announcing Mercurio’s departure.
“Joe is legendary for his ability to grasp the complexity of Boston University and guide effective decisions in so many facets of what we do,” Brown wrote.
Brown said that the impact that Mercurio had on BU during his time as executive vice president proves invaluable to the university.
“No individual has played a larger role in creating a collegial environment for all of us who have the privilege of working at BU,” Brown wrote.
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