Touro University chief announces he’ll retire

By William D'Urso

Friday, March 15, 2013 | 8 p.m.

Though his boss wasn’t thrilled, 71-year-old Michael Harter has decided to give up his position as senior provost and chief executive of Touro University Nevada, and head into retirement.

“I’m planning to spend time with my family and clean up my golf game,” he said.

Harter told his boss, president of Touro College and University System Alan Kadish, of his plans in January but made the announcement public in a statement Friday.

Harter was there from the school's start in Nevada in 2004. Now, he reigns over two medical schools, and about 3,000 students. His successor will have big shoes to fill as the institution hopes to continue its profitability and explore an expansion into other markets. Harter said he’ll relinquish his duties in the next four to six months once a replacement has been identified and transitioned in the new role.

Kadish has begun to assemble a search committee to find Harter’s replacement.

“Dr. Harter has enjoyed a stellar reputation as a leader in higher education,” Kadish said. “Dr. Harter’s longstanding dedication to the Touro College and University System in conjunction with his singular professionalism, have contributed to the outstanding reputation of our health education network.”

Harter’s retirement comes after years of working in higher education. Before taking the helm of Touro’s western division, Harter held the post of vice dean of the University of Nevada School of Medicine. There, he managed both undergraduate and graduate medical education programs.

He’ll split time between Nevada and his home in San Diego.

“It’ll be a big change for me, but I’m very proud of the fact that we have produced students who are responsive to the needs of Nevada,” he said.

Touro, a not-for-profit initially organization founded in 1970 to serve the Jewish community, has about 19,000 students spread over 32 institutions in five countries.