NIU President John Peters has yet to decide whether he will run for the University of Tennessee system’s presidential position.

Peters is on a list of presidential nominations for the UT position; the list currently shows 71 names. The last day for candidacy declaration by these 71 people or anyone interested in the position is Friday.

“While I am honored to have been nominated for the presidency at the University of Tennessee, I remain undecided about pursuing a full-fledged candidacy for the position,” Peters said in a statement he released Tuesday.

Peters was the chief operating officer and provost at UT-Knoxville before assuming the position as NIU president in 2000.

In December, the NIU Board of Trustees extended Peters’ contract with NIU until 2010 and approved a salary of $272,950, which took effect Jan. 1. In addition to his salary, Peters also has use of a house and a car.

The new UT president also will receive a house and a car, and his or her salary will be between $400,000 and $500,000.

“I am honored to have my name associated with the search for a new leader at that university. At the same time, I remain fully committed to NIU and the course we have set for the future. I did not seek the UT nomination, but I will spend the next several days in serious reflection and will announce my intentions early next week,” Peters said.