SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Missouri State University President Michael T. Nietzel announced Monday that he will step down at the end of 2010.
Nietzel, 62, cited a combination of personal and professional reasons in saying he will resign on Dec. 31, 2010. He became the university's ninth president on July 1, 2005.
Nietzel said he has asked the board to begin a national search and could leave before the end of next year if a replacement is found sooner.
He said it was a difficult decision because he loves the university and his job but he needs a change.
Nietzel does not have definitive plans but his contract affords him full pay for a semester or half pay for a year. He is a tenured member of the university's psychology department.
In a statement, the board chairman, Brian Hammons, said Nietzel will be missed and difficult to replace. He thanked Nietzel for giving 14 months notice to allow for a smooth transition. He said the new president may not begin work until early 2011.
