MOUNT PLEASANT (WJRT) (1/22/2018) - Central Michigan University President George E. Ross announced plans on Monday to step down.
In a letter posted to the university's website, Ross said he plans to leave the top job on July 31.
He wrote that CMU is in a strong position and acknowledged that no time is ideal for a major leadership transition with many initiatives under way. But Ross is looking forward to being a first-time grandfather.
His first grandson was born just before Christmas.
"I suspect my mind was made up the moment he wrapped his tiny fingers around mine," Ross wrote.
Ross, who was appointed CMU's 14th president in 2010, listed a number of major accomplishments during his tenure, including a strategic plan, improvements to financial aid and new facilities that have opened.
"Serving as Central Michigan University's 14th president these past eight years has been the most rewarding professional experience of my life," he wrote.
There was no immediate word from CMU's Board of Trustees about the succession plan or when a search for the university's 15th president would begin.