( Andy Shupe)
Joe Steinmetz (left), chancellor of the University of Arkansas, speaks Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017, alongside Hunter Yurachek after Yurachek was introduced as the new director of athletics at the University of Arkansas during a news conference in the Fowler Family Baseball and Track Indoor Training Center in Fayetteville.
FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas Chancellor Joe Steinmetz announced Thursday evening that he is stepping down effective Friday from his role as leader of the state's largest university.
"I still strongly believe in the mission of higher education, yet given the many challenges found trying to manage a university in today’s polarized society, I need to do what’s best for my family and I feel ready to make way for others," Steinmetz said in his statement addressed to faculty, staff and students.