By Briana Williams —
After serving nearly two years as U of L’s chief financial officer, Harlan Sands is leaving the position.

Originally reported by WDRB.com, Sands sent Acting President Neville Pinto his resignation letter on Nov. 22. Sands’ resignation will be effective starting Jan 6., days before the start of the spring semester.

Sands has accepted a job offer from his alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania. There, he will be the vice dean of finance and administration for the Wharton School of Business.

“Although I am excited about the opportunity to return to my alma mater in a very exciting role, this was a difficult decision for me,” Sands said.

Sands also serves as U of L’s senior vice president for finance and administration. His resignation comes just months after the groundbreaking of the $40 million SAC renovation, which he played a key role in.

Pinto said Sands has “provided strong financial and operational leadership” over the course of his tenure.

Sands’ resignation comes at a time when U of L continues to face administrative turnover. Pinto said he will seek to appoint an interim replacement for Sands immediately.

“I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition that continues the progress we have made,” Sands said.

Sands handled financial and administrative operations at U of L, including financial planning, financial reporting and transparency. Before coming to U of L, Sands served as spent seven years at the University of Alabama at Birmingham as Vice Provost for Administration and Quality Improvement.

Sands also spent four years as an assistant public defender in Florida, and over ten years on active duty in the U.S. Navy.

Photo courtesy / University of Louisville