Paul Zingg, the president of Chico State, unexpectedly announced his plan to retire during his speech at the 2015 Fall Convocation.

Zingg discussed several aspects of the upcoming school year at the convocation on Thursday afternoon, including his plans to retire at the end of the 2015-2016 academic year.

Zingg’s decision was influenced by,”my health, my love for my family and my deep commitment to the best interest of this university.”

He had emergency triple bypass surgery in March and took a leave of absence for the rest of the academic year.

Zingg has served as the 14th president of Chico State since his election in 2004.

“I have never been happier or felt that I was making a stronger contribution than here – in your company and as your colleague in the pursuit of our noble mission and our most compelling values,” he said.

Stephanie Schmieding can be reached at [email protected] or @theorion_news on twitter.