Drury's director of architecture resigns

After two years at the helm, Maurizio Sabini has resigned for undisclosed reasons from his administrative duties as director of the Hammons School of Architecture at Drury University. 

Effective with the end of the current semester, Sabini will remain a full-time professor of architecture in fall 2014. 

Bob Weddle, current assistant director for academic initiatives at the architecture school and 15-year faculty member, will step in as interim director, effective June 1. 

"Bob is superbly qualified to serve in this role and I know we all look forward to working with him as we move forward to strengthening enrollment, engaging our community and enhancing student learning," said Vice President of Academic Affairs Charles Taylor, in an email to faculty. 

 In a separate email sent to faculty, Sabini thanked the Drury community for support during his leadership, but didn't cite a reason for his departure. When contacted by Springfield Business Journal, Sabini declined further comment, referencing his email. 

"The school is now well positioned, also with Bob Weddle's future leadership, to continue the quality growth and the increase in its reputation that we have collectively achieved, and to play its critical role in the growth of Drury University," he said in the email.

Current enrollment at the school is 162, slightly below the previous three-year average of 166 to 177. 

A native Italian, Sabini is registered architect in Italy and an associate member of the American Institute of Architects. Before taking the position with Drury, Sabini practiced for more than 15 years internationally.

Spokesman Mike Brothers said Drury would develop a search process in the near future, but the school hasn't outline a timeframe to fill the position.