University of Minnesota-Crookston
Chancellor Fred Wood announced Friday he
will transition to chancellor at Contra Costa Community College District — his
alma mater — in northern California.

“While I am excited about returning home, until I do so I will remain
committed to serving this great institution to the best of my ability,” Wood
wrote in an email to the Crookston campus community.

He announced his resignation as Crookston’s chancellor in
September, citing a need to care for a relative living in California.

Wood has served as chancellor since July 2012. He was
involved in the building of a new wellness center and the addition of eight
majors and four minors at Crookston.

Wood will begin in his new role by the beginning of 2017,
one semester earlier than originally planned, Crookston spokesman Andrew Svec said.

“We have certainly enjoyed his leadership. We feel he has been a great
student advocate — he always puts students first,” he said.

A search committee will aim to find a replacement for Wood by July, Svec
said.