President Geoffrey Mearns announced in an email today that Provost Gail Wells is retiring from her position on Jan. 1, 2014 and will then return to a faculty position.

Wells, who has been in the provost position for nine years, told Mearns she wants to “step up the faculty.” With the creation of a new strategic plan on the way, she told Mearns that there should also be a transition to an “academic leader who can commit to the long-term implementation of the plan.”

Until Jan. 1, 2014, the university will conduct a national search for Wells’ successor. Mearns said he will soon appoint a committee to assist in the search.