Rita Cheng announced Tuesday she will not seek an extension of her contract as president of Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.
The Arizona Board of Regents, which oversees the three state universities, including NAU, will begin a national search for Cheng's replacement this fall.
Cheng, who has served as NAU's 16th president since August 2014, will continue to serve as president until her replacement is found.
"Although a difficult decision, after 40 years in higher education, I have decided that it is time to step away from this role," Cheng said in a statement.
