SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) -- The president of Missouri State University has announced that he plans to resign once his successor is picked.

Sixty-two-year-old Mike Nietzel cited a combination of personal and professional reasons in announcing his decision.

He submitted his letter of resignation to the Board of Governors on Friday, and it was made public Monday.

He said in a news release that he is willing to continue working as president through the end of 2010 to give the university the chance to conduct a thorough search.

Nietzel has led the Springfield school since July 2005, and described the job as "invigorating" and his colleagues as "superb."

But he says he needs a change, noting that the work is "public, demanding and complex."