The first chancellor of University of Minnesota, Rochester will retire this summer.

Chancellor Stephen W. Lehmkuhle announced on Thursday that he will step down from campus leadership on Aug. 1.

Lehmkuhle, who was inaugurated chancellor in 2008, is credited with "creating the campus from scratch," a university news release said Thursday. The campus has an enrollment of 650 students and expects to welcome its largest incoming class this fall.

"Providing leadership to this unique and innovative campus has been the highlight of my career," Lehmkuhle said in a statement. "The chance to build a new undergraduate health sciences university in the heart of America's most dynamic city for health care was both a great opportunity and challenge."

The University of Minnesota, Rochester was formally established in 2006 with a focus on health sciences in recognition of the city's famous Mayo Clinic. It welcomed its first freshman class in 2009. The campus currently offers degrees in business, education, graphic design, public health and social work.

Staff report