The Rev. M. William Howard is planning to leave the chairmanship of the Rutgers Board of Governors later this month. That was signaled when he received an honorary degree at the university’s May graduation – a tradition for outgoing chairs.

In Howard’s place is expected to be Ralph Izzo, president and CEO of Public Service Enterprise Group, the parent company of PSE&G. Izzo is already a member of the board and he sought the governor’s blessing for his ascension at the Rutgers graduation during a private pow-wow with Christie. The governor does not control the chairmanship but appoints the majority bloc of board members – six out of 11.

Izzo and Howard were both appointed by governors.

Izzo declined to comment on his pending elevation. Drewniak, Christie’s spokesman, also had no comment.

The chairmanship vote is scheduled for June 22 in New Brunswick. Izzo’s term on the board runs through 2014; the chairman and vice chairman are chosen each year.