University of Mississippi Chancellor Dan Jones confirmed he will be leaving Ole Miss. Extended contract negotiations failed to result in resolution of a new contract.

The announcement was made at a 2 p.m. press conference at Ole Miss.

Former Chancellor Robert Khayat said “I offer my regrets for this unfortunate turn of events which has been unpleasant for the Board of Trustees of Institutions of Higher learning, Chancellor Jones and others. I hope that everyone will maintain dignity and professionalism as this process is completed. The University of Mississippi and its Medical Center are prospering and have made great progress in the last 20 years and I expect that to continue.”

Contract negotiations between Jones and the board have been hotly debated by both Jones supporters and those who felt he should step down.

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