Trocki leaves early; Callahan to take over

After Joe Callahan represented Montana State University-Northern at last week's Board of Regents meeting in Kalispell, the interim chancellor is about to move into his new position a little early.

It was announced last month that Frank Trocki, Northern chancellor for the past two years, would not have his contract renewed, and his tenure end at the end of June.

In a change of plans, it appears that Trocki is effectively already done.

Debbie Ritz, the chancellor's assistant, said this morning that Trocki was no longer in his office and that Callahan will take over on Wednesday.

Last week, Trocki would not confirm that he would be leaving but did say that he would continue working for Northern, even if not officially.

"I will continue to work the best I can for the best interests of Northern, be it on the sandy beaches of Massachusetts or in Utah in a business meeting, " Trocki said.

Ritz said he is still in Havre.

In last week's conversation, Trocki said he would be around town, even after his official end of term at the end of June.

As for his hopes for his successor, Trocki feels Callahan will be able to serve Northern.

"I am quite confident that Dr. Callahan will do a great job while he's here, " Trocki said. "He's here as a maintenance effort, to maintain order. And in that role, I think he's a great choice. "