The University of Alabama announced Wednesday that the president of the university, Dr. Stuart R. Bell, will be stepping down. Bell plans to end his decade leading at the university in mid-summer, according to the news release.

Tuscaloosa's mayor, an Alabama congresswoman and University of Alabama colleagues said Stuart Bell will leave a legacy.

It has truly been an honor to serve and represent the University of Alabama as president over the last 10 years,” Bell said. “I am grateful for the longstanding support of

Bell started his role as president in July 2015 after stints at Louisiana State University and the University of Kansas. Before that, he had been a on the UA staff for 16 years.