Robert “Yank” Heisler Jr., dean of College of Business Administration, announced plans to retire.

His reason for stepping down: “I’m an old guy now,” he said, adding that he is 63 and would like to settle down. “I’m going to leave with terrific memories of this place.”

This isn’t the first retirement for Heisler. He is also a retired chairman of Key Bank and retired chief executive officer of McDonald Financial Group.

The Ravenna native and Harvard graduate has worn many hats at Kent State. In 1974, he earned his M.B.A. from the university.

Heisler returned to Kent State in September 2007 as a special assistant for community and business strategies to President Lester Lefton. In March 2008, he was named the interim vice president for administration, and in September that year was appointed to dean of the business college. He has also served as the chairman of the KSU Foundation’s board of directors.

“This has been a wonderful experience for me, a wonderful environment and an energetic set of circumstances,” he said. “I want to thank the university and administration for giving me the opportunity to enjoy this and make an impact.”

Heisler, whose retirement is effective Oct. 1, is the second top administrator at KSU that has announced plans this month to leave the university. Earlier this month, Provost Robert Frank announced that the 2011-2012 school year would be his last at Kent State.

Kyle McDonald is a reporter for the Record Courier.