University of California President Mark G. Yudof on Friday announced he would leave his position this summer.

“I have decided to bring to a close my tenure as president of the University of California, effective Aug. 31, 2013,” Yudof said in a written statement. “While the decision is my own, the moment comes with a mixture of emotions. For a transplant from Texas, by way of Philadelphia and Minnesota, every day at the University of California has brought new wonders.”

Yudof said the University of California remains the premier public university system in the world, and he said he was both honored and humbled to serve as its president for nearly five years.

“Over the past few months, however, and after careful consultation with my family, it has become clear to me that the time has come for me to step away and return to the teaching of law on the Berkeley campus,” he said. “The prior 18 months brought a spate of taxing health issues. Though these challenges have been largely overcome, I feel it is time to make a change in my professional lifestyle.”

Yudof said it also appears to be an apt time for the university to bring in fresh leadership. “When I arrived in 2008, the economy had begun to unravel and state coffers were tumbling deep into the red. With its budget slashed, the university was presented with one of the most severe challenges in its history.”

He said the storms appears to have been weathered, with the UC community having “made it through this rough passage with our fundamental attributes intact. We have preserved excellence in our academics, research and health care. We have kept our doors open to all worthy students, regardless of family income levels, embracing the Blue and Gold financial aid program for low and middle income students and raising more than $671 million through the Project You Can scholarship program.”

Yudof also thanked the UC Regents. “Throughout, they have provided the leadership and unwavering support needed for the university to face down this crisis.”

California Community Colleges Chancellor Brice W. Harris lauded Yudof’s tenure.

“President Yudof’s bold and effective leadership has been a great benefit to students and the state of California,” Harris said. “One of the most important indicators of success for California is having a premier research university, and Mark’s leadership has enhanced our standing in this regard despite recent financial challenges. He has been a strong supporter of community colleges, and that is evident in the increased number of transfers from our colleges to UC during his time in office. Mark also is to be commended for his commitment to helping expand opportunities at UC for low-income students.”

California State University Chancellor Timothy White also praised Yudof’s leadership.

“Mark has been a strong and principled leader of higher education in one of the state’s most challenging eras, and I am very grateful to have worked side by side with him during my time as chancellor of UC Riverside,” said White. “Frankly, I was looking forward to building on our relationship as system head colleagues, but wish nothing but the best for Mark and his family in the next chapter of his life. Throughout his tenure, Mark has always maintained his commitment to protecting the quality of the institution and to doing everything he can to ensure student success, the vibrancy of research and creative activity, and the robustness of health care. His lasting legacy will continue, and as head of the CSU system, I look forward to partnering with UC in the years to come.”