By Associated Press
Auburn, AL – The university announced his resignation this afternoon. Walker had come under fire for his handling of a search for a new football coach.
Walker says he hopes his resignation will give Auburn a fresh start.
Walker's resignation came just two days after he met with Gov. Bob Riley to discuss problems facing Auburn. One of those problems was Auburn being placed on probation by an independent accrediting agency. He also had come under fire for his clandestine search for a new football coach.
The 66-year-old Walker had been president of the university for 19 months. There was no immediate word on who would succeed him on an interim basis. The executive vice president, Donald Large, is expected to handle duties until the board of trustees acts.
Walker says he hopes his resignation will help Auburn officials, students and supporters put aside differences and work together.