Minnesota State Universities Chancellor Retiring in 2017

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The head of Minnesota's public college and university system will step down next summer.

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Chancellor Steven Rosenstone announced on Friday his plan to retire when his contract lapses in July 2017. Rosenstone has held the position since 2011.

MnSCU governs a vast network of seven universities and 30 community and technical colleges. Rosenstone notes he recruited 21 school presidents during his tenure and says he's confident those leaders will keep MnSCU on the right track.

Gov. Mark Dayton thanked Rosenstone for charting a new future for the public higher education system. MnSCU will begin a search for his successor later this spring.