Dear Members of the Northern Illinois University Community,

During today’s State of the University address, I announced my intention to step down as president of Northern Illinois University on June 30, 2013.

For 13 years I have had the extraordinary privilege of serving as president of our great university. These years have been the highlight of my career, and both Barbara and I will always be grateful for your trust and friendship during our darkest hours as well as our greatest triumphs.

I am exceedingly proud of what we have accomplished together despite the most challenging of economic realities. We have set a new course for NIU as a student-centered, 21st century public research university while realizing operational efficiencies that will serve us well for many years.

While there is still much that remains to do, NIU’s best days are yet to come. In the coming year, I look forward to continuing to build upon our commitment to the students we all serve and enabling our faculty and staff to turn great ideas into action to meet and exceed our Vision 2020 goals.

A national search for my replacement will begin this fall under the direction of the Board of Trustees. I expect a search firm will be selected and a presidential advisory search committee announced by Thursday, Nov. 8.

Again, Barbara and I would like to thank you for your kindness, support and friendship for more than a decade here in DeKalb. We are looking forward to our continued involvement with this great university and the NIU community. We will work hard to ensure a smooth transition for our new leader and are committed to assisting in growing the amount of financial support needed to achieve the university’s vital mission and vision in serving students in our region, nation and throughout the globe.

Sincerely,

John G. Peters

President