Fresno Pacific University provost stepping down

Fresno Pacific University provost and senior vice president Steve Varvis is stepping down from his role, but will stay on at the 3,500-student private school as a professor.

Varvis was hired in 1985 and has served in a number of administrative positions since then, including dean and vice president for enrollment. Varvis also taught history during the majority of that time.

Plans are in place to secure an interim provost and senior vice president who will take over in June when Varvis officially resigns, said university spokesman Wayne Steffen.

On the university’s blog, Varvis said he’s excited for his primary focus to again be teaching.

“I believe, along with those in FPU’s past who helped me envision what this university can be, as well as many today, that we have been called to a unique and inspiring mission to serve this very diverse region – and the world – to guide students to deeper understanding of themselves, their professional roles, their faith and how they can live and work in deeper, more ethical, more servant-oriented ways,” he said.

This story was originally published January 29, 2016 at 4:28 PM with the headline "Fresno Pacific University provost stepping down."