Interim President Ray Kieft says that he is humbled by the overwhelming number of faculty, staff and students who have e-mailed, called and handwritten notes stating their disappointment in his withdrawal from the college's presidential search.

"I've said it before, and I'll say it again, presidents of colleges or universities cannot be effective unless the campus community respects and trusts them," Kieft said, adding that he is very grateful for the respect and trust he has received at Metro.

Wishing he could express his thanks in a more personal way to each and every person, he says he does plan to tell the permanent president of all of the talented people at Metro who want to improve the college. "For the president to not be engaged with them, would be in my opinion, a mistake," he said.

Before he leaves, Kieft is planning to prepare a notebook for the incoming president that will include background information and suggestions for his or her consideration. "I already know that one of the suggestions will be to engage the students, faculty and staff in direct communication, not in an ad-hoc manner, but continually," he said.

Although he's open to offers from other colleges, Kieft's main focus after leaving Metro will be book signings for his recently published book, "The Firehole River Murder," a mystery novel that takes place at Yellowstone National Park.