(Springfield, MO) -- Missouri State University president Michael Nietzel will talk this afternoon about his decision to step down.

Citing personal and professional reasons, Dr. Nietzel says he'll leave his post by December of 2010.  He could leave as soon as a replacement is found.

An email from the president was sent campus wide Monday afternoon.

 He tells the University Board of Governors he has no definite plans, only the realization that he's not sure he can sustain the kind of achievement required by the public and the demanding job.

 "I think faculty are just as surprised as students. We didn't have any inkling," said Dr. Margaret Weaver, chair of the Faculty Senate.
 
 "He's put the university in good position by letting us know in advance of his intentions," said Christopher Polley, president of the student body.

Nietzel's contract does entitle him to a semester sabbatical at full pay or a year sabbatical at half-pay.