Chancellor Gordon Gee’s sudden resignation has surprised and saddened some Vanderbilt faculty and administration.

Professor Alexandra Sargent of the theatre department said she is “devastated at (Gee’s) departure.”

“He is one of those charismatic people who makes you feel special when you see him, and when he says hello you just feel good,” she said.

Sargent said working “in a place where a person of his importance and stature … takes an interest in your area and applauds your efforts and makes you feel like you are doing something important, it makes you feel valued and happy and proud to be working at that institution.”

She added, “His leaving is very sad. I like the idea that he was making Vanderbilt a place that was attracting students from all over the country.”

When asked about the news of Gee’s decision to return to Ohio State University, Bruce Barry, chair of the Faculty Senate and a professor at the Owen Graduate School of Management, said he was “surprised as anybody else.”

While watching the Web cast of Gee’s OSU press conference, Barry said he was “struck by obvious emotion” exuded by Gee. Barry believes the faculty understands people “move on” and can have a “change of heart.”

Dean of Students Mark Bandas said he was not very surprised at Gee's resignation based on historical evidence.

"After the initial news stories about OSU's interest, I did not think he would leave Vanderbilt," Bandas said. "At the same time, I'm not surprised. The typical tenure for college and university leaders is in the five- to seven-year range."

Barry said Provost Nick Zeppos is an “excellent and obvious choice” for the role of interim chancellor because he has been involved in both arenas of academics and administration. When asked about the qualities needed in Vanderbilt’s next chancellor, Barry said administrative and recruiting abilities are necessary, as well as the intangible energy Gee exuded.

According to Barry, the next chancellor will need “intellectual leadership and skill to run the big beast of an organization.”

The plan to conduct a “broad and comprehensive” search seems appropriate to Barry who said this will allow the involvement of many “stakeholders.”

In the meantime, Bandas said he thinks Zeppos will serve the university well, calling him "a visionary leader and change agent."

"As our chief academic and development officer, (Zeppos) has personally driven many of the major achievements of the university in recent years," Bandas said. "Under his leadership, we can be confident that the university will continue to progress."

Elizabeth Middlebrooks contributed reporting to this article.