Robert Morris University’s president is leaving the Moon Township-based school next month to become a top official Arizona State University, which is trying to create a national university, Robert Morris officials said Tuesday.

Chris Howard, who has been RMU president since February 2016, will join Arizona State as the executive vice president and chief operating officer for ASU Enterprise, which is working on designing, building and overseeing a new model for a national university.

Mary Ann Rafoth, the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, was appointed interim president. A national firm has been hired to search for the permanent successor.

During his tenure, Howard completed the largest fundraising campaign in the university’s 100-year history.

It raised $113.2 million, topping the $100 million goal one year early. The money raised funded Robert Morris’ UPMC Events Center and enabled the expansion of the John Jay Center for the School of Engineering, Mathematics and Science. It also funded scholarships and endowed professorships and new research and teaching centers on campus.

During Howard’s presidency, RMU was ranked among the U.S. News and World Report list of “Best National Universities” for the first time. It also was ranked by U.S. News as a Top 50 “Best Value School” in America for academic quality and affordability. The university grew first-time freshman enrollment by 23% during the pandemic, RMU stated.

Howard’s wife, Barbara, will work with faculty and staff in cultural affairs, nonprofit leadership, philanthropic advancement and museum programs.

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