Health Problems Spur FDU President To Retire

Health problems have forced the leader of New Jersey's largest private university to give up his post.

J. Michael Adams announced Wednesday that he will retire as president of Fairleigh Dickinson University on June 30.

Adams, who has led the school since 1999, has been on medical leave since last fall. He announced his decision in a statement posted on the school's website.

Adams was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, a blood disorder, and underwent a bone marrow transplant that proved unsuccessful. He was subsequently diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a form of cancer.

FDU officials will launch a national search for a new president. FDU has campuses in Teaneck and Madison.

Sheldon Drucker, who has been acting president while Adams was
on leave, will remain on the job indefinitely.