The University of Kansas says Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little plans to step down from the position in the summer of 2017.

The university issued a statement Thursday. Gray-Little has been chancellor of the state’s largest university since August 2009.

Gray-Little said in a statement that with major initiatives at the university nearing completion, it’s an ideal time for her to leave its top administrative job.

She also said that announcing her departure now will help the university and the Kansas Board of Regents find a replacement without having to name an interim chancellor for a smoother transition.

She was the university’s first female and black chancellor. Board of Regents Chairwoman Zoe Newton called her a “transformative figure.”

Before coming to Kansas, Gray-Little was a top University of North Carolina administrator.