The University of Alabama will soon be looking for a new president.

According to a release from the school, UA’s 29th president, Dr. Stuart R. Bell, has announced his intent to step down this July which will bring to an end a decade of his leadership.

Bell’s 10 years in service make him among the longest tenured presidents in UA’s history, with only only Presidents George Denny and Frank Rose having served more years working in the role.

After serving in roles at both LSU and the University of Kansas, Bell arrived to Alabama in July of 2015 after previously making serious contributions to UA for 16 years on the faculty as chair of the mechanical engineering department founder and first director of the Center for Advanced Vehicle Technologies.

RELATED: Bell: University of Alabama’s ‘fundamental’ mission is student success

Alabama AD Greg Byrne, who works in close connection with Bell, posted a message on his X account thanking Bell for everything and praising his tenure:

I could not have asked for a better president than Dr. Bell to work with over the last eight years at Alabama. He is an incredible leader and cares deeply about our university and athletics programs. We are grateful for the impact he’s made throughout his tenure and are thankful… https://t.co/BCr0Fiso6A

— Greg Byrne (@Greg_Byrne) January 15, 2025

Bell addressed the University of Alabama community in a letter to the school upon the news breaking of his departure, which can be read in full here.

Dear UA Community,

‌As I reflect on this last decade, I am filled with pride and gratitude for all the accomplishments of our students, faculty, staff and alumni. The University of Alabama has enjoyed consistent record-breaking momentum in enrollment, research and fundraising while enhancing the Alabama Experience to equip our students for success.

‌As our University continues its positive direction, the moment is right to announce plans to complete my tenure as president mid-summer. I am grateful for the longstanding support of our Board of Trustees and UA System leadership and will work with them for a seamless transition. It has been my honor to work with you during my 26 years here, including the last 10 as your president, and I look forward to a future return to the faculty.

‌Thanks to your dedication, we have moved the University forward in remarkable ways. We achieved numerous enrollment records for the University, topping 40,800 students this past fall, including a record number of National Merit Scholars. You have created an environment where students and families strive to be part of the amazing things happening here. Through your support, our community has sustained this upward trajectory year over year.

‌We have also achieved incredible success in our research and scholarship. The University has grown graduate programs, particularly at the doctoral level, and increased scholarly works by our faculty and students. We secured R1 Carnegie Classification for Research Universities, and this year we again set a record for external sponsored funding with approximately $270 million, almost three times more than 10 years ago. Likewise, our research expenditures classify UA as one of the fastest growing research institutions among R1 universities.

‌Together we have served our students and University community with distinction. With the launch of the Rising Tide capital campaign, community support has been beyond tremendous. Thanks to a record $262 million in giving this past year, we surpassed our ambitious original $1.5 billion goal more than two years early. We are now well on our way to achieving our new $1.8 billion goal. I cannot thank you and our generous supporters enough for being the driving force for achieving such success, providing unprecedented new scholarships, endowed faculty support, new and improved facilities, enhanced athletic program resources, and so much more.

‌Thank you for allowing Susan and me the honor to serve you and to represent our wonderful University. Students are at the heart of everything we do, and we will miss those interactions most of all. We will cherish incredible memories and savor every moment of our final months in this role. We also look forward to continuing our passion for working with students and my future return to the faculty.

‌I hope to see and speak personally with many of you as we prepare for the future together. You have all been true heroes to me and our University. Thank you and Roll Tide!