President Peter Likins was released from University Medical Center in fair condition yesterday, a week after he underwent emergency heart surgery, an official said.

“”Doctors evaluated his condition and (decided) that he can now go home to recover,”” UMC spokesman George Humphrey said.

Likins had surgery to replace part of his pacemaker and to repair a muscle wall near his heart after he nearly fainted in his office on April 12, Humphrey said.

Likins was in fair condition when he was discharged in the late afternoon, Humphrey said, and “”his prognosis remains very good for a full recovery.””

While doctors estimate his recovery will take six to eight weeks, he can begin to do some work from home, Humphrey said.

Likins is set to retire June 30 at the age of 70, after 24 years as a university president. He has been at the UA for 9 years.

Provost George Davis, executive vice president of the university, is standing in as the lead administrator until Likins returns to his office.

Get-well wishes can be sent via e-mail to plikins@email.arizona.edu and by mail to the President’s Office, 1401 E. University Blvd., Post Office Box 210066.