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U Of I Chancellor Resigns Abruptly

URBANA, Ill. (AP) -- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Phyllis Wise is resigning.

In an announcement Thursday, Wise cited "external issues" involving her that she says are a distraction to the university.

Wise has become embroiled in a number of issues for which the university has drawn criticism. They include the decision not to hire a professor over his anti-Israel Twitter messages and allegations by athletes in three sports of mistreatment by coaches or other staff.

Several of those issues have led to lawsuits.

Wise said in a written statement that she "concluded that these issues are diverting much needed energy and attention from our goals."

University President Timothy Killeen said he will appoint an interim chancellor to take over Wise's duties. Her resignation is effective Aug. 12.

(© 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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