University of Iowa President Sally Mason announced today that she will retire after eight years at the school’s helm. 

Mason, 64, became UI’s 20th president in August 2007, less than a year before the campus suffered flooding during the summer of 2008. She has overseen the construction of a state-of-the-art children’s hospital and biomedical research center, a new fine arts campus and the university’s first new residence hall since 1968.

Mason will officially step down Aug. 1.

Mason said in a news release that she reflected over the holiday break on how she planned to spend the next few years. She then approached the Iowa Board of Regents about retiring. She said, “The timing feels right, both personally and professionally.” She also called it an “honor and privilege” to serve as UI president.

Recently, Mason has faced increasing pressure from members of the Board of Regents, who scolded her during the last academic year for failing to effectively communicate with them, the Cedar Rapids Gazette reported. And, although she has received annual raises, Mason has been working without a contract on an at-will basis since Aug. 1, 2012, after her initial five-year contract expired July 31, 2012.

Her salary is currently $525,828, following a 2.5 percent raise approved by the board last year, according to the Gazette.