CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed (Creative Commons).

Reed headed one of the largest public university systems in the nation through budget cuts, tuition hikes and controversy over executive pay, the Los Angeles Times reported, during which Reed was often the focus of criticism.

“Over the past decade and a half, the CSU has emerged as a national leader in providing access and support to students from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds,” Reed said in a statement. “Our campuses have continued to flourish even in the face of budgetary challenges and tremendous growth.”

“Throughout my time here, the CSU has grown by more than 100,000 students, and I have been honored to sign more than a million diplomas. I take great pride in the CSU's mission to serve California's students, and I am proud to have played a role in carrying out that mission during these critical years."

According to NBC Los Angeles, the CSU budget was slashed by more than $1 billion in budget cuts during Reed’s time with the university system.

From The Los Angeles Times:

Reed launched an initiative to recruit and retain Latino, African American, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, veterans and other underserved students.

He also collaborated with the California Department of Education and the state Board of Education to create a program to assess the readiness of 11th graders for college-level English and math.

The newspaper reported that University of California President Mark Yudof released a statement, calling Reed a dynamic and innovative leader.

“The chancellor has been an effective and reliable ally in the fight to keep alive for future generations of Californians the promise of an affordable, top-quality education.”

Reed has also faced criticism by student groups and teachers’ unions for his six-figure salary and spending.

According to The Orange County Register, Reed made $399,788 in 2010.

CBS Los Angeles reported May 7 finding $766,890 in CSU credit card charges while Cal State students face a 9 percent tuition increase.

The charges included catered meals, dinners, conferences and car services. Catering bills for 2011 totaled more than $110,000.

NBC reported that CSU board chair Bob Linscheid said in a statement that Reed “has persevered through the worst budget crisis in the history of California, and has had to deal with deep budget cuts to the CSU. He has a deep desire to do what is best for students."

Prior to his time with the CSU, Reed served for 13 years as chancellor of the Florida State University system.

Cal State officials told The Los Angeles Times that Reed will remain as chancellor until a successor is chosen by the Board of Trustees.

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Reach executive producer Agnus Dei Farrant here.