London School of Economics director Craig Calhoun is to step down from his post in 2017.

In an email sent to staff on 17 December, Professor Calhoun said that he will not seek a second five-year term as the institution¡¯s head.

Informing staff of his departure from the LSE, which he joined in September 2012, the US sociologist said: ¡°There are many things that sadden me about this decision, but perhaps most of all the lost pleasure of working with so many great colleagues.¡±

Of the key objectives he intended to focus on during the remainder of his term, Professor Calhoun said that ¡°top of the list is securing a step change in LSE¡¯s provision of education and student experience ¨C including support directly for students and for all the teachers who contribute so basically.¡±

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¡°It is important that the School seek to be as outstanding in education as it is in research,¡± he added.

In a statement, Lord Myners, chair of the LSE¡¯s court and council, praised Professor Calhoun¡¯s leadership and service at the university.

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¡°I offer my sincere thanks to him, both for his clear vision for the future direction of LSE and for his strenuous work towards converting that vision into reality,¡± said Lord Myners.

An LSE spokesman added that ¡°all LSE directors have set five-year tenures with the option to stand for reappointment to a second term if they wish.

¡°The LSE director has confirmed he will not be seeking a second term.¡±

jack.grove@tesglobal.com