California State University has recently experienced unprecedented cuts in funding and now it is losing its leader.

Embattled Chancellor Charles B. Reed announced that he is retiring after 14 years at the helm of the 23-campus system but is expected to stay in his post until the board of trustees picks a successor.

It’s been a roller-coaster ride for the 70-year-old chancellor, who oversaw an increase of 100,000 students during his tenure as well as the addition of the Channel Islands campus, but also had to endure six straight years of tuition increases, capped enrollments and faculty and staff layoffs. State support could decrease $1 billion for the fiscal year if state revenues fall short of targets.

Reed has been criticized for approving hefty salary increases for top CalState executives even as the board of trustees raised tuition 9% for 2012; the new president of San Diego State University was given a $400,000 salary, $100,000 more than his predecessor.

Reed has a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education, a master’s in secondary education and a doctorate in teacher education from George Washington University. He was chancellor of the Florida State University system for 13 years before coming to California.

–Ken Broder

To Learn More:

Cal State Chancellor Charles B. Reed to Retire (by Carla Rivera, Los Angeles Times)

California State University Chancellor Charles B. Reed to Retire (California State University)