University of Central Florida accepts president Dale Whittaker’s resignation

ORLANDO - The board of trustees for the University of Central Florida accepted the resignation of president Dale Whittaker on Thursday, two days after he offered to step down to appease state lawmakers upset about the school using operating funds to pay for construction.

In the letter, Whittaker concluded a change of leadership was needed to restore confidence in UCF, especially among state education and legislative leaders.

Using operating funds on construction is a violation of state rules.

Whittaker was named president of one of the nation’s largest universities last year.

Students at Thursday’s emergency board meeting held signs in support of Whittaker. Several students and university staff urged trustees not to accept the resignation.