Message from President John G. Peters
October 11, 2012
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