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UT President Bill Powers Proposes 'Graceful' Exit

Bob Daemmrich
/
Texas Tribune
Embattled University of Texas at Austin president Bill Powers listened to a reporter during the UT System Board of Regents in 2013.

Embattled University of Texas President Bill Powers says he's willing to make a "graceful" exit in 2015 instead of the abrupt departure demanded by the University of Texas System chancellor.

Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa last week told Powers to resign or risk being fired by the Board of Regents at their Thursday meeting.

Powers, who has survived several previous attempts to fire him, responded with a letter to Cigarroa saying he should stay on through the next legislative session.

Powers' letter says a "graceful rather than abrupt departure" after nine years on the job would better serve the university. Powers says firing him would be disruptive for the school and its national reputation.

Powers has clashed with Gov. Rick Perry and some regents over issues such as tuition and research.