J. Keith Motley, UMass Boston Chancellor, To Step Down

In 2013, UMass Boston Chancellor J. Keith Motley spoke to the community and said, "We hold as an article of faith that anyone, given the opportunity, can rise to great levels of achievement and contributions for the public good. This pursuit is a public enterprise, meant to be directed toward all."

Last night, Motley announced that he would step down from his position at the end of the academic year. In a memorandum sent to the university, he said, "It has been my honor and greatest pleasure to serve as your chancellor."

His resignation comes amidst financial problems for the university, which has a deficit approaching $30 million.

Max Larkin, reporter for WBUR's Edify team. He tweets @jmlarkin.

Kevin Peterson, founder of the New Democracy Coalition.