AUSTIN, Texas — William McRaven, chancellor at the University of Texas, announced he will resign in 2018.

At a board of regents meeting on Dec. 15, he told regents his decision to step down was a tough decision to make.

“This decision to transition to private life was one of the hardest I have ever made, but recent health concerns prompted Georgeann and me to reflect on the years ahead and think seriously about things we still want to do as a family,” McRaven said. “While I’m on the road to recovery and am grateful to my UT physicians and the good wishes and prayers of our many friends and colleagues, I believe it is time to segue to several other passions in my life that I’d like to experience, and much of that will also involve teaching and writing.”

McRaven started his role as chancellor in 2015. Prior to his role at UT, he spent 37 years in the military, including his previous role as a Navy four-star admiral and ninth commander of the United States Special Operations Command.

He did express interest in an advisory role in the management and operation of the Los Alamos National Laboratory if the UT System is successful in its bid. It is currently being reviewed by the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration. 

“The Board has asked the Chancellor to stay through a term more consistent with the academic year, and I’m very happy to report that he has agreed,” Chairman Sara Martinez Tucker said.