SUNY ESF President Quentin Wheeler announced that he is stepping down after criticism from both faculty and staff.

Wheeler says he plans to resign on June 30 following pushback over his hiring, personnel, and financial practices.

In a statement, Wheeler says that the controversy has become a distraction for the college.

A recent vote showed that 85 percent of union members at ESF were against renewing Wheeler's contract.

SUNY officials say they will appoint an interim leader on July 1, followed by a search for a new president.