Janet Napolitano is resigning as secretary of Homeland Security. The former Arizona governor is leaving the Obama administration to become the president of the University of California system.
“I thank President Obama for the chance to serve our nation during this important chapter in our history,” Napolitano said in a statement announcing her decision on Friday, reports USA Today. “And I know the Department of Homeland Security will continue to perform its important duties with the honor and focus that the American public expects.”
President Barack Obama praised Napolitano’s four-and-a-half-year tenure, which began in 2009. According to CBS News, he recognized her work following the devastating tornado in Joplin, Missouri and Hurricane Sandy.
“Since day one, Janet has led my administration's effort to secure our borders, deploying a historic number of resources, while also taking steps to make our immigration system fairer and more consistent with our values,” Obama remarked.
Napolitano was the first woman to lead Homeland Security, which was created as a cabinet-level position after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. During her tenure, she was criticized by Republicans for her stance on immigration, which they said including an easing on prosecuting suspected illegal immigrants.
The University of California regents confirmed the news. as president, she will oversee the 10-campus system.
“While some may consider her to be an unconventional choice, Secretary Napolitano is without a doubt the right person at the right time to lead this incredible universit,” Sherry Lansing, who lead the university’s search committee, commented.
image: Wikimedia Commons
