SALEM — The Oregon Board of Higher Education accepted Chancellor George Pern-steiner’s resignation Monday, likely signaling more changes in the governance structure of the state higher education system.

The resignation was abrupt but characterized by board members as mutual. Pernsteiner, chancellor since 2004, will stay on in his current role until March 1.

Board President Matt Donegan, in a prepared statement, said the board will not replace Pernsteiner until after the Legislature convenes. The delay is in anticipation of possible changes to the Oregon University System that could materialize in the upcoming legislative session.

Pernsteiner’s stepping down comes after major changes in the state’s education system, including Gov. John Kitzhaber’s proposal to create a new higher education department. The changes leave unclear what role the chancellor would have in a new department. And the board made clear the timing is right for new leadership.

Fellow board members praised Pernsteiner’s accomplishments, calling him a “vessel of history” of the state’s education system and pointing to his efforts in closing the achievement gap.

Pernsteiner fought back tears before speaking Monday, and pointed to the state’s growing university enrollment and increase in the number of students who earn degrees.

“It’s not an accident,” he said.

Pernsteiner came under fire last year when the board ousted popular University of Oregon President Richard Lariviere. The former UO president was pushing for autonomy from the board, which oversees state universities. UO and Portland State University continue to push for independent governing boards.

Becky Johnson, vice president of Oregon State University-Cascades Campus, said she doesn’t believe the changes to state higher education will prevent the branch campus from realizing its dream of becoming a four-year university.

“The state board has given us approval to go to a four-year university and I can’t see that being taken away,” Johnson said.

But, she said, there is a lack of clarity surrounding the future of the state’s higher education governance system, and eventually that could have an impact. Currently, the state’s seven universities report to the state board.

“As far as I know, no one has nailed that down yet and it will probably be nailed down in the Legislature,” she said.

Johnson said she’s looking forward to some clarity. “There is a lot of uncertainty right now,” she said. “And I’ll be happy when it’s all cleared up.”