The outgoing president of the University of Regina says she wouldn’t be leaving if it weren’t for the fact she was going home.

Vianne Timmons announced Thursday she was stepping down to take a similar position with Memorial University in Newfoundland.

Speaking to us from Winnipeg on Friday morning, Timmons, who came to Regina in 2008, says while she is going home, she is leaving home as well.

“Regina has wrapped its arms around me and pulled me closer.” Timmons said. ” It’s a place I love.  The University is one that has punched above its weight and is thriving.  On one hand, I leave knowing the University is in good shape, but it is also sad because I have such love for both the University and Regina as a whole.”

Timmons, who became President in 2008,  says one reason for the growth at the University are the many who have a passion that work at the campus to deliver the best possible education for students.  Enrolment is at an all-time high with over 15-thousand taking classes.  She adds she had many opportunities to leave before as other institutions came calling, but her love for Regina and the U of R made her say no which is something she couldn’t do this time because of the family aspect.

When it comes to a replacement. Timmons says that person needs to embrace the campus and its population and come in with a tremendous sense of excitement knowing that the future of the U of R is healthy.