AUSTIN — Today, following Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa's press conference announcing he will step down as UT System Chancellor, Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa issued the following statement:

"Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa leaves a legacy of historic accomplishments in his mere five years as Chancellor of the UT System. He leaves the UT System a better educated system and the State of Texas a better place for our students to pursue their ambitions of a higher education.

Chancellor Cigarroa made history by being selected as the first Hispanic Chancellor of the UT System and made history again by bringing about a new university and medical school in the Rio Grande Valley. His legacy in South Texas will forever change the lives of not only our South Texas families, but the entire state by turning a dream into a reality and making the border area a key player for the future of Texas. It was a privilege to work by his side on this landmark legislation to create the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Thank you, Chancellor Cigarroa, for your service and passionate commitment to the UT system and the students of Texas. I admire your ability to balance the political pressures of the institutional process with the higher education needs of the students of Texas. I wish you much success in your new role, where I know your true passion lies."

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