MU Chancellor Brady Deaton announced his resignation Wednesday afternoon. He plans to start his retirement on November 15.

Deaton made his announcement in Jesse Hall, in the company of UM System President Tim Wolfe and UM Board of Curators Chair Wayne Goode. Athletic Director Mike Alden, football coach Gary Pinkel and Sen. Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia, were also in attendance.

Deaton has been chancellor for nine years.

Standing at a lectern used by Mark Twain and in the shadow of the columns, Deaton said he felt at home announcing his plans to retire.

“It gives me a very comfortable feeling to be able to stand in this setting and let you know, announce to you, that I’m stepping away from my position as chancellor of the university,” Deaton said.

He plans to take a few months to spend time with his family, but then Deaton will continue to be engaged with MU as chancellor emeritus.

“I believe it’s a good time to take this step,” he said.

Deaton will also continue his post as chair of the Board of International Food and Agricultural Development, as well as start a new initiative, which he will discuss at the Board of Curators meeting Friday.

“There’s a clear sense of direction and there remains — of course, we all recognize — much complex work to be done,” he said of MU’s future.

Deaton commended his staff, who he said will help with the upcoming transition to a new chancellor, and then thanked his wife, Anne Deaton. He said being chancellor has been a “family affair,” with all three of his and Anne’s children earning degrees from MU. Anne Deaton is an adjunct faculty member at the Sinclair School of Nursing, the College of Human Environmental Sciences and the College of Education.

Deaton invited his wife to the stage for recognition, as well.

“I just want to formally, again, and personally enable you (the audience) to salute the person who has been so instrumental in so many ways,” he said.

Both Wolfe and Goode commended the chancellor for his service.

“Chancellor Deaton has also been an unmatched advocate for the University of Missouri, and, selfishly, I’m sad that he’s stepping down in November,” Wolfe said. “However, I’m delighted that Dr. Deaton will continue to have a connection to the University of Missouri.”

Wolfe also commented on Deaton’s plans for a new institute.

“I’m certain that this new institute will do great work in a critical area, not only for our state and nation but globally,” Wolfe said.

Deaton said his greatest accomplishments as chancellor have been creating an effective team with his staff and rising above difficulties that came their way.

The absence of “any major crises right now” influenced his decision to resign, Deaton said.

“As I began to think about this, I had some chats with President Wolfe about my sense that now is a good time to take this step,” Deaton said. “This campus can attract and will continue to attract, as it has, top notch individuals to serve in leadership positions in all components of the university.”

After a long applause from the audience, which prompted Deaton to stand twice in thanks, Goode wished Deaton well.

“Ready, my old friend?” Goode said. “Congratulations.”