(Photo courtesy of the University of Arizona)

Dr. Ann Weaver Hart

University of Arizona President Ann Weaver Hart has decided she won’t seek a contract extension. Her current pact expires in 2018.

“It was not a surprise," said Jay Heiler, chair of the Arizona Board of Regents. "It was something we had been discussing for some weeks."

Hart was the focus of controversy in recent months for her decision to become a paid board member at for-profit Devry University while maintaining the U of A presidency.

Heiler said the search for Hart's replacement will begin before the end of the year.