TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- Guy Bailey announced today that he will step down as president of the University of Alabama.

[

]

In a statement provided by UA, Bailey cited his wife's health after saying that he had notified Chancellor Robert Witt about stepping down from the position.

"This is a decision my wife Jan and I made together after much discussion about how we can best address her health, which is the most important priority in our lives," Bailey said in the statement. "By announcing this decision today, I hope the Board of Trustees will be in a position to take the next appropriate steps during its meeting in Tuscaloosa this week. We want to thank the faculty, staff, students, alumni and our many friends for your warm welcome. My family and I appreciate your understanding and your prayers."

Bailey's wife Jan Tillery-Bailey was "critically ill" this summer, and "the Baileys' priority for the foreseeable future is focused on her continued recovery," said Deborah Lane, UA assistant vice president for university relations.

In August 2008, the Lubbock (Texas) Avalanche-Journal referred to Tillery-Bailey as a two-time cancer survivor in an

.

Bailey was

. Judy Bonner, UA's current provost and executive vice president, served as interim president after former president Robert Witt was

in March.

The full board of trustees will address the transition in leadership Thursday in a specially called board meeting at noon, said Kellee Reinhart, vice chancellor for UA system relations. The board is expected to adjourn into an executive session before regathering in a public meeting at 1 p.m. in the Sellers Auditorium at the Bryant Conference Center.

Bailey became the 37th president of the University of Alabama on Sept. 4. His

, was worth up to $652,000 including benefits and incentives.

Before he was named as president of his alma mater, Bailey served as 15th president of Texas Tech University beginning in 2008.

A Montgomery native, Bailey earned two degrees while attending UA from 1968 to 1974. Bailey received bachelor's and master's degree in English from UA and later received a doctorate in English linguistics from the University of Tennessee.

Bailey served as chancellor of the University of Missouri-Kansas City from 2006-2008 and provost and executive vice president at the University of Texas at San Antonio from 1999-2005. He also worked previously at the University of Nevada, the University of Memphis, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and Emory University.

Paul Bryant, Jr., president pro tempore of the University of Alabama system board of trustees, said in a statement, "We understand and respect that President Bailey’s priorities at this time must be focused on his wife Jan’s recovery. The Baileys are in our prayers and have our support. We will address the issue of presidential succession at The University of Alabama in a specially called Board meeting Thursday."

UA System Chancellor Robert Witt said in a statement, "I respect and appreciate President Bailey’s decision. His priorities reflect his commitment to both his wife Jan and The University of Alabama. He and Jan will remain in our prayers."

During his Wednesday press conference, UA football coach Nick Saban said he wished the best for Bailey and his family.

"I'd like to make mention of the fact that we were excited about having President Bailey here with us," Saban said. "I met his wife Jan. We're very sorry he's not going to be with us in the future. I wish him and his family the very best. Wish them God's blessings.

Updated with information on revised board meeting agenda scheduled for Thursday

.

Updated with information on Jan Tillery-Bailey's health issues

.

Updated with details about Bailey's background and time at UA

.

Updated with quote from Nick Saban contributed by Andrew Gribble.