RICHMOND, Ky. - Eastern Kentucky President Michael Benson announced his resignation Wednesday morning. Benson who has been with EKU since 2013, officially steps down January 6, 2020.

Benson says in the next year he plans to research and write a manuscript about Daniel Coit Gilman, the first president of Johns Hopkins University. In addition to his writing, Benson has pledged to help EKU as it transitions to a new leader. He will remain as an advisor to the Board of Regents.

In a statement, he released through EKU Benson said, "In the near future, my family and I plan to create time to personally say 'thank you' to the people with whom we have worked so closely. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve the students, faculty, staff, and community. Thank you for taking us in and making us a part of the EKU Colonel Family. This has become our home. We have tried to reciprocate your kindness by doing our best on behalf of this remarkable institution and its outstanding people."

Benson is the 13th President of EKU. Before arriving in Richmond he served as president out Southern Utah University and was also president of Snow College. During his time at EKU, Benson has served as Chair of the NCAA Honors Committee and Chair of the Presidents' Council for the Ohio Valley Conference.