The embattled president of Memorial University, Vianne Timmons, is stepping down.

The departure is effective today, with her appointment ending on a “without cause” basis,

Meanwhile, Neil Bose has been appointed President and Vice-Chancellor “pro tempore,” or for the time being, for a two-year term or until a new president is recruited.

The search will begin soon for a new president, with input from the Memorial community.

Timmons has been under intense scrutiny over claims of Indigenous heritage, having recently accepted an Indspire Award, described as “the highest honour the Indigenous community bestows upon its own people.”

But questions remain about her claims of Indigenous ancestry, which to date remain murky.

Timmons had taken a six-week paid leave of absence in mid-March, with MUN’s Board of Regents announcing a roundtable of Indigenous leaders in response.

She has also come under fire recently for personal spending allotted in her contract, as well as treatment of vocal critics of her leadership.