Judith Woodsworth has been dismissed as president of Montreal's Concordia University. (Concordia University) Judith Woodsworth has been fired as president and vice-chancellor of Montreal's Concordia University only about halfway into her mandate.

Woodsworth, the first woman to become president of the school, was appointed in 2008 for a term that was to have ended June 30, 2013.

The reason for the abrupt departure is not clear, but multiple sources have confirmed to CBC News that Woodsworth was dismissed and it was not her choice to go.

A news release issued Wednesday by Concordia's board of governors said she was leaving for unspecified personals reasons and praised her accomplishments.

"I am deeply grateful to Judith and wish to recognize her leadership, achievements, and commitment over the past 2½ years," said Peter Kruyt, chair of the university's board of governors.

"Concordia has thrived under her direction, with significant progress and an enhanced reputation on the local, provincial, national and international scenes."

The release also said Woodsworth is leaving Concordia as one of the only universities in the province with a balanced budget.

Woodsworth said in the release she was honoured to have been recruited by Concordia, "where I started my career 30 years ago, and to have served at its helm, if only for a short time."

Woodsworth, who has a PhD in French literature, came to Concordia from the top post at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ont. Before that, she was vice-president, academic, at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax.

"It's clear now that there has been tension and problems between the board of governors and the administrators here at Concordia for awhile," said Joel Suss of the student union.

He wishes the school would be more forthcoming with the reason for Woodsworth's departure. "It's concerning that there's not really a real explanations," said Suss.

Woodsworth's predecessor, Claude Lajeunesse, also left the university "by mutual agreement" midway into his five-year mandate.

Neither the board of governors nor Woodsworth could be reached for comment. She will receive a severance package of approximately $700,000, the equivalent of two years' salary.

The board of governors said it will name an interim president in January while it looks for a full-time replacement.

Bram Freedman, vice-president, external relations, and secretary general, will serve as acting president over the holiday season.