DeKALB – Touting a list of the university’s achievements since his tenure began in 2000, Northern Illinois University President John Peters said in his State of the University address on Oct. 11 that he will step down from his position June 30.

“In recent months, after several discussions with [my wife] Barbara and my son, Russell, I have decided that this is the time,” Peters said. “This is the time for me to pass the torch to another who will carry out the noble mission of leading this great university.”

Changes since 2000
Under Peters, the university reached higher student enrollment numbers, peaking at 25,313 students in fall 2006. However, enrollment has dropped steadily since – fall 2012’s enrollment of 21,869 students is a 4.9 percent drop from the previous year.