I suspected this might happen, since she's been strangely quiet lately and not as visible. There had to be a reason for it. Long tenure but hardly bizarre in those terms. USC recently had Steven Sample stay on the job for nearly 20 years. He was great for fundraising and also the academic reputation, along with new facilities like the Galen Center.
I remember Tad Foote, and the early '80s on-campus stadium debacle. I also remember my dad -- who earned three Miami degrees and entered as undergrad in 1951 -- telling me about previous presidents who cared even less about athletics than Foote did. My dad was thrilled with Shalala. This is indeed be careful what you wish for.
I have no doubt that Shalala hopes to join a Hillary administration in some fashion. She possibly would have left Miami some time in the past 5 years if Hillary had managed the nomination in 2008. Any Democrat was a cinch in that election, given the Bush approval ratings post-Katrina. Now the Obama approval ratings drag down Hillary's opportunity in 2016. As someone else posted, Shalala has to publicly announce plans to teach the college course, even if her highest aspirations are elsewhere. Steven Sample is now a USC professor, four years after stepping down as president.