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JHU to begin search for Brody’s successor
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BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Johns Hopkins University will embark on a national search for a successor to President William Brody, who plans to step down after a dozen years leading one of the world’s top research institutions.
“I’m surrounded by so many people who make me look good, I’ve thought about what to do after so people don’t think I’m an empty suit,” said Brody, 64, with self-deprecating humor and humility that marked his farewell announcement Monday on a quad at the North Baltimore campus.
To whoever takes over, Brody echoed JHU alumnus and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg when he stepped down as chairman of the school’s board of trustees: “Don’t screw it up.”
Brody, who made $1.49 million in fiscal 2006, said he timed his retirement with the conclusion of a $3.2 billion fundraising campaign. He plans to leave office Dec. 31, continue living in Federal Hill and write books.
Since 1996, Brody, the former chief radiologist at Johns Hopkins Hospital, oversaw the opening of a business and education school, celebrated two professors and three graduates earning Nobel Prizes and the men’s lacrosse team winning the NCAA Division I championships.
The worst time of his tenure, he said, was when two students were murdered only months apart.
A burglar killed junior Christopher Elser in his off-campus apartment in 2004. Seven months later, senior Linda Trinth was killed in her off-campus apartment, sparking fears about student safety and prompting the university to install dozens of security cameras.
“I wish I could have done something to prevent those deaths,” said Brody, his eyes welling with tears.
Students, who pay $36,000 in tuition, recalled how Brody and his wife, Wendy, rode bikes to visit students and their families during freshman move-in day.
kvolkmann@baltimoreexaminer.com
Comments from Examiner Readers
3:39 PM MST on Sat., Dec. 29, 2007 re: "JHU to host candidate forums on health care"
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8:27 AM MST on Sat., Sep. 8, 2007
re: "JHU to host candidate forums on health care"
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6:05 AM MST on Sat., Sep. 8, 2007
re: "JHU to host candidate forums on health care"
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Examiner Reader said:
Actually that estimate of 20-30 people may be a bit optimistic, given that most of the candidates will not carve out an hour for the illustrious Dr. Brody. It sounds like he actually thought they would break down the door for an opportunity to show there is nothing behind their rhetoric on health care.
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Examiner Reader said:
I can save Johns Hopkins tons of money, and paper work by suggesting they discontinue treating drug related gun shot patiences at the expense of the insured. When they charge my insurance company $56.00 for a capsule of over the the counter pain killer, i.e. tylenol in order to balance the cost from those who are uninsured, i.e. drug related shootings, something is wrong. They may start with some soul searching first, then ask for more from us in the way of taxes.
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Answer said:
Academics always have the answer but, fortunately, few people pay attention to them. I am sure Brody's TV show will be watched by, oh, 20-30 people.
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