BLACKSBURG, Va. (WTVR) - Charles Steger is stepping down as president of Virginia Tech. The university's board of visitors will begin a search for his replacement immediately, according to a news release from the university.

Steger will remain at Virginia Tech as president until his replacement begins.

“We sadly accept President Steger’s desire to step down as president,” Mike Quillen, rector of the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors, said in a statement. “He has had a long and successful tenure but we understand his desire to ratchet back the extraordinary commitment of a major university president. Charles has truly been outstanding, visionary, and productive.”

Since becoming president in 2000, Steger has overseen the university's growth from 27,869 students to 31,087. Also under his watch an additional 2.5 million square feet of buildings have been constructed, a school of medicine built and the university joined the Atlantic Coast Conference.

He was also in charge during the university's darkest day -- April 16, 2007. Steger was named in a lawsuit by parents of students killed in a campus shooting. He was accused of delaying a campus-wide warning after two students were found shot on campus. Steger said the alert was delayed because officials believed the initial shooting deaths were isolated incidents.

In a statement released by the university, Steger commented on his time as president.

“As a three-time graduate of this institution, Virginia Tech has afforded me the tools for leadership and personal fulfillment. I have been doubly blessed because I then had the opportunity to spend virtually my entire career in the service of this great university,” Steger said.

How do you think history will remember President Steger? Leave your comments on WTVR.com or the CBS 6 Facebook page.