Courtesy virginia.edu

Michael Strine, who began working one year ago as the University of Virginia's executive vice president and chief operating officer, has resigned from his position, effective Tuesday.

UVa. President Teresa Sullivan said Strine brought great enthusiasm and energy to the university.

"Michael recently determined that it would be in the best interest of the university that he step down and allow me to do some necessary internal restructuring," Sullivan said in a statement.

Sullivan named Strine as executive vice president in May 2011, and he assumed the position on July 1, 2011. He previously served as vice president for finance, chief financial officer and treasurer for the Johns Hopkins University.

"Obviously, there have been some questions about Mr. Strine's involvement in the ouster of President Sullivan that have not really been fully resolved," said George Cohen, chair of the university's Faculty Senate.

Media reports from earlier this summer say Strine was an ally of Rector Helen Dragas and Vice Rector Mark Kington in their attempted ouster of Sullivan. Kington has since resigned his post.

About two weeks after her resignation, the Board of Visitors unanimously reinstated Sullivan to her post.

"I think it was an honorable thing for him to do and I think it was an attempt to try to help the university move forward and get past this crisis," Cohen said of Strine's resignation.

Strine succeeded Leonard Sandridge, who stepped down last year after 44 years at the university.

"I feel confident that we will not skip a beat while we begin a national search for a new financial leader," Sullivan said in the statement.

Through a statement, Strine echoed his hope that the university will continue to move forward.

"Though it is hard to step aside, I am confident that this step helps the university and those it serves by allowing this board and president the opportunity to pursue changes aimed at ensuring communication, accountability and shared governance," he said in the statement.

Strine walks away with a severance package of $847,308, which covers a portion of the value of his five-year contract. His annual salary was $450,000.

Also part of the severance package, Strine's wife will receive $42,500.