University of California, Merced Chancellor Sung-Mo “Steve” Kang announced earlier this month he will relinquish the title of chancellor on June 30, 2011. Kang has served as chancellor since March 2007.

"It has been a singular honor and the highlight of my administrative career to serve as chancellor of the newest University of California campus during its critical development years," Kang said. "Despite extremely challenging economic conditions, we have managed to establish a very strong foundation, attract top-level faculty and staff, and provide an innovative learning environment for our rapidly growing student body.”

Kang lead UC Merced through its growth from 1,300 students to more than 4,000 attendees, while overseeing the implementation of a campus strategic vision that has garnered the university numerous awards for environmentally sustainable design, construction and operation.

Kang, an internationally recognized electrical engineer with more than a dozen patents in integrated circuit design, will return to teaching and research as a member of the University of California faculty. Kang previously served as a UC faculty member for 25 years, including six spent as professor of electrical engineering and dean of the Baskin School of Engineering at the University of California, Santa Cruz. His new faculty appointment will be announced later this year.

The UC Office of the President will begin a nationwide search for Kang’s successor this fall.

"The campus is on a positive trajectory for continued growth and has worked closely with the UC Office of the President to define and secure a clear path forward over the next few years,” UC President Mark G. Yudof said.” I am confident the search committee will identify a strong successor to lead UC Merced into the next phase of development."