James Hoffman, a high-ranking Eastern Washington University official charged with writing a key financial plan for the school, will step down at the end of the week.

Hoffman, senior vice president and provost, earlier this month announced his resignation effective June 1998. But according to an EWU statement Monday, he accelerated the date to make time to study and research his field of geology before returning next year to the university faculty.

Hoffman leaves behind an unfinished financial plan that the state’s Higher Education Coordinating Board must approve to release nearly $3.2 million in state funds. The Legislature ordered the money withheld until university officials prepared a satisfactory plan to boost enrollment, reduce costs and meet other obligations.

George Durrie, EWU’s director of government relations, said Hoffman has agreed to assist in finishing the plan in time for the board’s September meeting.

“We won’t be totally removed from the work he (Hoffman) has done and information he’s carrying around in his head,” Durrie said. , DataTimes