"For the past seven years, Ann and I have been honored to be a part of the College of Eastern Utah," he said. "We are proud to be part of a community of professionals committed to education and service."

From the beginning of his tenure, however, the 55-year-old Thomas had always indicated he planned to spend just seven years as the college's president and had no desire to end his career in administration, according to college spokesman Brad King.

A lawyer by training, Thomas has a long history both in front of the blackboard and in the boardroom, coming to CEU from Utah Valley State College where he served in a variety of vice presidential roles. Earlier, he served Idaho's former Ricks College as general counsel.

Thomas was credited with helping turn around CEU's shaky financial footing and returning the institution to solvency. By 2006, the college had erased its deficit; it reported a surplus last year.

"President Thomas has made tremendous contributions to CEU as well as to the Utah System of Higher Education," Board of Regents Chairman Jed H. Pitcher said. "We are grateful for his dedication, sacrifice and committed service to the students, the college and this state. He will be missed."

The regents will name an interim president by the end of the year.

During Thomas' watch, the 69-year-old college achieved other milestones: the completion of the G.J. Reeves classroom and administration building; a successful round of fundraising that included two significant land donations, the Horse Canyon Mine property and land to site the Prehistoric Museum; receipt of $2.7 million in federal funds for the Western Energy Training Center; the merger with the Southeast Applied Technology College; improved communications with the San Juan Campus in Blanding; and expansion of the college's relationships with the communities of southeast Utah.