After seven years leading the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Chancellor Ronnie Green announced, in a Dec. 20 video, his plans to step down in the new year.

The video, available in full above, featured Green and his wife, Jane, in their Lincoln home.

“Earlier this year, our family spent considerable time reflecting on our UNL journey, ultimately coming to the realization that while these past 13 years have been exciting and exhilarating, they also have collectively been taxing on our physical and mental batteries,” Green said. “Out of that reflection, we reached the family decision that 2023 would be the year for Husker Jane and I to step away from public-facing life to focus on our next chapter privately on our growing family and our faith.”

In the video, Green outlined his 40-year love with and for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln — a timeframe which spans his meeting and marrying Harvard’s Jane Pauley as a graduate student to his tenure as chancellor.

Ted Carter, president of the University of Nebraska system, said the decision to step away is well-earned by the Greens.

“Ronnie and Jane Green have a deep love for the University of Nebraska and the students, faculty, staff and Nebraskans who are part of this special extended family,” Carter said. “We owe them a debt of gratitude for answering the call to serve UNL over the past 13 years. I am happy knowing they will soon get more time with each other and their growing family.”

Green plans to retire from the role as chancellor at the end of June 2023 or until a successor is named.

“We are so immensely proud of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and its entire family of students, faculty, staff and alumni,” Green said. “Together, we have done great things — and we remain equally excited about the months ahead as we continue to do big things together, and as we prepare the way for your 21st chancellor.”

Details on a search for the next chancellor will be announced.

“The chancellorship of Nebraska’s flagship university is one of the most important leadership positions in our state,” Carter said. “UNL is home to remarkable talent and is in a position to expand its impact even further on the workforce, economy and quality of life in Nebraska and beyond.

“We are fortunate that Chancellor Green has given us a runway that will give us time to chart the path forward and ensure a smooth transition of leadership. I intend to conduct a rigorous national search, informed by diverse stakeholder feedback, to identify UNL’s next leader.”