Central Michigan University’s President George Ross announced Monday that he will step down in July.
President George Ross has served as university president since 2010.
In a written press release the university highlighted his accomplishments as president, including launching the college of medicine, increasing access to student financial aid, and keeping tuition increases lower than all other public universities in Michigan.
President Ross said after some soul-searching following the birth of his grandson he decided it was time to retire.
“I would love to take my wife on that trip in September I’ve been promising her for years. It’ll be our 25th wedding anniversary. New grandson. There are just some things you have to balance against being a university president.”
Ross said he is leaving CMU at a good time.
“I believe the Central Michigan University presidential job will be very attractive throughout the country and I think it will garner very strong candidates.”
President Ross said he will move to Atlanta, Georgia where he plans to work out of CMU’s satellite office.
“I will be working hopefully back in the classroom in 2019. I’ll be working with the new president on our capital campaign. Whatever I can do to help the new president be successful at CMU.”
Ross said there are still a few projects things left to do before he steps down, including finding a chief diversity officer and breaking ground on a new Integrated Health Studies Building.
Of his accomplishments, President Ross said the one he is most proud of is increasing student success.