Chancellor of The University of Texas System William H. McRaven announced that he will step down in 2018. McRaven became chancellor in 2015, following a 37-year career as a decorated military leader, including his previous role as a Navy four-star admiral and ninth commander of the United States Special Operations Command.

McRaven has been public about chronic health issues over the past few years, and a recent illness played a key role in his decision.

“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. 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 said.

Serving as Chancellor of @utsystem has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. https://t.co/KA7cHWZHy3

— Bill McRaven (@billmcraven) December 15, 2017