ODESSA, Texas (AP) — The longtime president of the University of Texas of the Permian Basin will be stepping down next year.

David Watts on Monday announced his resignation after 15 years of leading the school in Odessa. His resignation takes effect at the end of August 2017.

A school statement says Watts is the longest-serving president of Texas-Permian Basin, with enrollment growing from about 2,200 to more than 6,300 under his leadership. The school this fall will field its first football team.

The University of Texas System Board of Regents will work with a search committee to select a replacement for Watts, who is the fifth president of UT-Permian Basin.

 

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