Claremont Graduate University said that Ira Jackson, dean of the Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management, has decided to resign at the end of the year so he can spend more time with family on the East Coast.

The university announced the resignation as Jackson began a sabbatical leave on Friday. He will retain the title of dean as he works on special projects.

Jackson, who was recruited to the university 3 1/2 years ago, will be free of most of his administrative duties, but he will fulfill certain off-campus engagements and teach some sessions in “The Drucker Difference” course he helped to design as part of the school’s year-long Peter F. Drucker Centennial celebration.

University Interim President Joseph C. Hough Jr. said in an email to alumni and friends of the university that he and Jackson had been discussing the move for the last two and a half months, with Jackson saying he felt he had accomplished most of the goals he set for himself when he came to Claremont.

“Dean Jackson has done a remarkable job in revitalizing the Drucker-Ito School,” Hough said in a statement. “Under his leadership … the school has become much more visible all over the world.”

The university has not announced a search committee for Jackson’s successor but a team will handle his duties until his term ends on Dec. 31. Leslie Negritto will serve as the school’s administrative dean and Hideki Yamawaki will become academic dean.