Fort Hays State University president Dr. Ed Hammond plans to help with the transition of new leadership next academic year.

Hammond announced in a morning news conference he will retire as president June 30, 2014.

He’s been in talks with the Kansas Board of Regents about his plans for more than a year:

(Video courtesy FHSU Tiger Media Network)

Several Regents members were on hand for today’s announcement including Robba Moran, formerly of Hays and now living in Manhattan;  Shane Bangerter, Dodge City; KBOR chairman Fred Logan, Leawood; and KBOR President/CEO Andy Tompkins of Topeka.