James Moeser will step down as chancellor of UNC-Chapel Hill.
Moeser, 68, made the announcement at an annual speech Wednesday, saying he would return to teaching after a term in which he raised $2.2 billion, established a nationally recognized financial aid program and stood firm on academic freedom.
"This university in on an incredible roll," he said.
Over the last eight years, Moeser has overseen a $2 billion construction boom, a rise in the number of research grants and a new emphasis on sciences such as genomics and nanotechnology.
He's also won approval from trustees for the 50-year buildout of Carolina North, a new research campus.
His retirement is effective June 30. (N&O)
