University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Phyllis Wise says she is resigning over concerns that what she called ``external issues'' involving her are a distraction to the university.
University President Timothy Killeen said in an announcement Thursday he will appoint an interim chancellor to take over Wise's duties. Her resignation is effective Aug. 12.
Wise has become embroiled in a number of issues for which the university has drawn criticism. They include the decision not to hire a professor over his anti-Israel Twitter messages and allegations by athletes in three sports of mistreatment by coaches or other staff.
Several of those issues have led to lawsuits.
Wise said in a written statement that she ``concluded that these issues are diverting much needed energy and attention from our goals.''