Cal Poly Pomona President Michael Ortiz has withdrawn his name from consideration in the New Mexico State University presidential search.

In an email to the campus community on Wednesday morning, Ortiz said he and his wife, Betty, believe there is so much more they want to accomplish at Cal Poly Pomona, especially as it faces unprecedented budget cuts.

Full text of the email is below:

Throughout our lives, we remember reaching crossroads — those times when it was necessary to make a difficult decision. Today, Betty and I have chosen to be guided by our hearts: I have informed the Board of Regents at New Mexico State University that I am no longer a candidate for their presidency.

The outpouring of support we have received over the past couple of weeks has been unbelievably moving. We are privileged to be part of this great community.

In the end, there is so much more we need to accomplish. We are facing the most difficult challenges in our history. To face these we have to come together as a community. Our students are relying on us. This is our fight, and we can’t just walk away.