Dennis Shields confirmed Friday he would be leaving his job as Southern University's president at the end of the year, saying the school's Board of Supervisors wanted to go in a different direction.

Shields said he has been aware of the board's intentions for the past five weeks.

"It was indicated to me the board wanted to go in a different direction, and I accept that. It's not the way I would have done it, but that's the prerogative of this board," Shields said at the end of Friday's Board of Supervisors meeting held in New Orleans before the Bayou Classic.

According to Board of Supervisors Chair Tony Clayton, the selection of an interim president is expected to be made at the board's Dec. 19 meeting.

Clayton said Shields will "continue to be part of this family," and will return to

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