UC President Robert C. Dynes, a renowned physicist who in 12 years rose to become president of the University, announced last month his intention to step down as president no later than June 2008, or as soon as a new president is selected.

The Dynes presidency, which began in October 2003, will end at the nearly five-year mark he had initially set for himself for serving as head of the 10-campus system. It paves the way, the 64-year-old said, to focus on his personal life and his research into superconductivity.

Dynes announced that Provost and Executive Vice President Wyatt R. Hume would act as the University’s chief operating officer, in addition to his other academic and health affairs duties. This appointment was effective immediately.

“It has been a distinct privilege to know and work with Robert Dynes,” said Board of Regents Chairman Richard C. Blum. “During his time of leadership, the UC community has continued the journey to an even better University. Initiatives have been launched to begin addressing critical problems in the areas of diversity, K-12 educational disparity, and salary gaps.”

Blum chairs a special Regents advisory committee that is running the selection process for a new president. The 11-member group met earlier this month.

Despite his regard for Dynes, nine days after the resignation announcement, Blum issued a blunt memo to his fellow Regents criticizing the “outmoded and dysfunctional structures, processes, and policies” staff and administrators have to work within.