University of Hawaii-Manoa Chancellor Virginia S. Hinshaw notified faculty and staff this morning that she will step down as leader of the state’s flagship public university at the completion of her five-year contract next summer.

Hinshaw’s contract ends June 30, 2012. Her salary was listed at $337, 672 as of March.

Her e-mail announcement said "…this is an opportune time for me to announce my decision to transition out of my role as chancellor during July 2012, to allow sufficient time to complete a search for a new chancellor."

UH President M.R.C. Greenwood said a national search will begin to find her replacement.

Hinshaw, 67, did not announce her future plans, but is expected to take a sabbatical and possibly assume a tenured faculty position in the College of Natural Sciences and John A. Burns School of Medicine upon her return.  

The UH Board of Regents is expected to be briefed Thursday during its meeting on Maui.

 “Chancellor Hinshaw’s decision to begin the transition to new leadership at U.H. Mānoa and to work with us in finding that future leader at our flagship campus is a testament to her commitment to and care for the university,” Greenwood said in a written news release.

In her e-mail, Hinshaw wrote, "I am confident that UH Mānoa is moving forward in a very positive direction, but there is also much yet to do. So I am strongly dedicated to a smooth transition for the campus as the next chancellor is selected. I know that individual will feel as I do – blessed to serve this university and be part of the Manoa ohana. My heart is smiling as I envision the future for UH Manoa and Hawaiʻi – mahalo nui loa!"