By ALLISSA KLINE
akline@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1612

The man recommended to become the University at Buffalo's interim president told the UB community last week that he does not want his name put forward for the position until more discussion takes place.

Scott Nostaja sent an e-mail to the UB community Sept. 9 in which he said the decision to step back provides "faculty, staff and students the opportunity to provide input into the priorities facing the university and the qualities, characteristics, qualifications and experience necessary to fill the post of interim president."

The announcement does not mean he is completely out of the running to fill in for UB President John Simpson when he retires Jan. 15, a UB spokesperson said.

Nostaja currently serves as UB's senior vice president and chief operating officer. The former entertainment history executive from California initially came to Buffalo as a UB 2020 consultant. He was hired to his current post earlier this year.

His designation as interim president drew some criticism, in part because he has not been officially appointed by the State University of New York board of trustees. His experience leading a higher education institution also has been in question.

Here is the full text of Nostaja's e-mail:

"On August 30, the UB Council recommended that my name be considered to serve as interim president after President Simpson retires in January. Having worked closely with the President, faculty and staff over the last six years, I was honored to be asked to serve the University in this role.

"I've appreciated the many expressions of support I've received from faculty, staff, alumni, and community leaders. At the same time, I recognize that some members of the University would like to have given their views as this recommendation was being considered.

"I have asked that my name not be put forward to the Board of Trustees at this time in order to give our faculty, staff and students the opportunity to provide input into the priorities facing the university, and the qualities, characteristics, qualifications and experiences necessary to fill the post of interim president.

"Our campus needs to focus on attracting and selecting the best possible candidates to serve as our 15th President. I'm pleased that the search process will commence shortly, and I know that there will be broad-based consultation to give all stakeholder groups a voice in this process.

"I look forward to continuing to work with all of you in our united commitment to achieving the vision that we, as a collective university, put forward through UB 2020."