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University Of Texas System Chancellor Announces Resignation

File Photo | Bob Daemmrich
/
The Texas Tribune
UT System Chancellor William McRaven is stepping down in May 2018.

The chancellor of the University of Texas System will step down from his role in 2018.

William McRaven announced his resignation Friday during a special meeting of the UT System Board of Regents, which was conducted by telephone andbroadcast online.

Board Chairman Sara Martinez Tucker said she asked McRaven to stay on as chancellor until the end of the academic year in May, and he agreed.

“There’s going to be a lot of speculation as to why I’m stepping down,” said McRaven, whosecontract expires at the end of the month. “But the fact is, this is a very personal decision for me. As many of you know, over the past several months I’ve been dealing with some health issues. They are not serious. Let me say that again: They are not serious. But they have caused me to rethink my future.”

According to the Texas Tribune, the retired Navy admiral has chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

He told the board that his health concerns motivated him to leave so he can spend more time with family.

McRavenfaced opposition this year from some regents over the size of the system’s administrative offices, but the board praised his strong leadership and vision.

He took the helm of the 14-campus UT System in 2015, following a 37-year career in the Navy.

Camille Phillips can be contacted at Camille@tpr.org or on Twitter:@cmpcamille

Camille Phillips can be reached at camille@tpr.org or on Instagram at camille.m.phillips. TPR was founded by and is supported by our community. If you value our commitment to the highest standards of responsible journalism and are able to do so, please consider making your gift of support today.