The City University of New York’s chairwoman quit yesterday – after a barrage of criticism for not moving quickly enough to enact reforms.
Anne Paolucci, a former English professor, said she planned to leave June 1 to resume ”writing and publishing tasks” and so a new chairman could be in place as the university enters ”a new phase in its restructuring.”
Gov. Pataki immediately accepted her resignation, while praising Paolucci as an ”untiring advocate for public education” in her 27 months at CUNY’s helm.
She wasn’t scheduled to step down until 2003.
The Post reported last November that Paolucci was on her way out amid criticism that she hasn’t been able to unite the 17-member board as it grapples with such critical issues as higher standards and the search for a new chancellor.
The terms of two other CUNY trustees appointed by former Gov. Mario Cuomo – James Murphy and Edith Everett – end on June 30.
That gives Pataki an opportunity to reshape the CUNY board at a time when he and Mayor Giuliani are trying to push through several controversial changes, including an end to remedial education in the senior colleges.
Among the candidates for Paolucci’s job is Herman Badillo, vice-chairman of the CUNY board.
But Badillo told The Post, ”I haven’t heard a word from the governor’s office.”
Sources said that other names being mentioned as board members are businessman Lew Lehrman, the Republican candidate for governor in 1982, and Bob Price, a former deputy mayor in the Linsday administration.
The City University is comprised of 11 senior colleges, six community colleges, a graduate school, a law school and a medical school.