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

Peters, who led NIU through a tragic shooting in which five students were killed in 2008, said in his State of the University address that he still has the energy for the job, but that he thinks it’s time for someone else to play the role.

“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.”