In news that surprised pretty much everyone, current University of Illinois Chancellor Phyllis Wise announced that she would be stepping down from her position as Chancellor next week and returning to a faculty position. Her reasons for stepping down?
external issues have arisen over the past year that have distracted us from the important tasks at hand. I have concluded that these issues are diverting much needed energy and attention from our goals. I therefore believe the time is right for me to step aside. I will resign from the chancellor’s position effective August 12, 2015, and will resume my roles as a member of the faculty.