Don Beggs

Wichita State University President Don Beggs has announced plans to resign as president once the Kansas Board of Regents names a successor to be in place during the summer of 2012.

Beggs, 70, has been president of WSU since January 1999. He is the 12th president in the history of Wichita State.

Wichita State will suspend the search for provost until the new president is in place. Keith Pickus is serving as interim provost.

In a message to faculty and staff, Beggs said: "The Kansas Board of Regents is determined to identify a person who is committed to our students, faculty, staff and alumni. The success of our university is a reflection on each of you and the special city and region that we serve. We are continuing to change to be prepared to address new challenges as our world changes. We will continue to do more to be more.

"I am committed to full speed ahead to make this a positive year in every way," said Beggs.