University of Alabama President Stuart Bell said he plans to step down in July after leading the Capstone for 10 years. The 67-year-old Bell issued a statement Wednesday saying his retirement will go into effect mid-summer. The statement reads, in part:

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.

The president of the University of Alabama will step down this summer. Stuart Bell, who served as president for the last decade, said in a letter to alumni that he will step down from the top post mid-summer and is looking forward to a "future return to the faculty."

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 in a statement. “I am grateful for the longstand