Florida State President Eric Barron acknowledged his impending move to Penn State for the first time publicly in an interview with the Tallahassee Democrat today. This confirms Onward State’s report yesterday, although Penn State has yet to acknowledge its choice. The move is expected to become official on Monday at a special Board of Trustees meeting.

“News of Barron’s pending exit came without warning Friday afternoon. It was first reported on a Penn State student blog and spread quickly from Pennsylvania to Tallahassee, where FSU’s leadership team was taken by surprise,” the Democrat reported.

“People would be surprised at how much pain is associated with leaving Florida State,” Barron said. “It is awfully hard.”

Penn State President Rodney Erickson has said he’ll retire by June at the latest, although that move could be expedited with the hire of Barron. The President-in-waiting isn’t sure yet when he’ll take over in Old Main.

“Nobody cares for a lame duck and how they might perform,” he said to the Democrat. “My view is, I am committed to do whatever it takes so it works however Florida State needs to have it work. My board (FSU) needs to be in the driver’s seat.”