CHAPEL HILL - UNC system president Tom Ross is stepping down from his position leading North Carolina's 17 public universities.  In a statement, the UNC Board of Governors said it has decided to begin the process of leadership transition and that Ross's resignation will be effective January 3, 2016.

Ross says he is very proud of the state's higher education system and sounded like he would like to stay.

"All of us have a responsibility to protect the university. I'm sure the board is doing what they believe is right for the university."

Board Chairman John Fennebresque of Charlotte said Ross’ age -- he will be 65 next year -- had nothing to do with the board’s decision. When asked if it involved politics, the board chairman said: “Absolutely not.” But he did not offer other reasons, beyond the board’s view that the time was right to start a transition to another leader