University of Alabama President Guy Bailey announced Wednesday, Oct. 31 that he would resign from his position as University president because of his wife’s health.
The announcement circulated in a campuswide emailed statement.
“Today, I have notified Chancellor [Robert] Witt that I am stepping down as president of The University of Alabama,” Bailey said. “This is a decision my wife Jan and I made together after much discussion about how we can best address her health, which is the most important priority in our lives.”
Bailey, who previously served as Texas Tech University president from August 2008 to July 2012, was chosen as the UA president in July by the Board of Trustees after former president Robert Witt stepped down in March to replace Malcolm Portera as chancellor of the UA system. Bailey was sworn in as president on Sept. 3, serving 57 days in the position.
“I respect and appreciate President Bailey’s decision,” Witt said in the same emailed statement. “His priorities reflect his commitment to both his wife Jan and The University of Alabama. He and Jan will remain in our prayers.”
Bailey’s wife, Jan Tillery-Bailey, has been diagnosed with cancer at least twice in the past and is a two-time survivor, according to a Lubbock Avalanche-Journal report from 2008.
Chris Cook, the managing director of communications and marketing at Texas Tech University, said her health had been problematic for years.
“I don’t know the specifics, but I know she had health issues and that was very important to him,” Cook said. “She has these health issues, and they’re very attentive to those. From what he said in the statement, it’s clear that they have decided that they need to focus on those issues, understandably so. I don’t know any specifics about it at this moment. He kept a lot of it private and rightfully so, but everyone was aware that she had health issues while he was at Texas Tech.”
Debbie Lane, assistant to the president and assistant vice president of University relations, said in a prepared statement that the University was aware of Tillery-Bailey’s health condition.
“Mrs. Bailey was critically ill this summer, and the Baileys’ priority for the foreseeable future is focused on her continued health,” Lane said.
UA Office of Media Relations director Cathy Andreen and Kellee Reinhart, vice chancellor for system relations, both said they have no further information on Tillery-Bailey’s personal health.
“I don’t have details on her health,” Reinhart said. “She is ill, and it has been a big concern for Dr. Bailey and his family. We wish her a speedy recovery.”
Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban expressed his regret of losing President Bailey at a press conference on Oct. 31.
“I’d like to make mention that we were excited about having President Bailey here with us,” Saban said. “We met his wife Jan. We’re very sorry that he’s not going to be with us in the future. We wish him and his family the very best and wish them God’s blessings.”
