U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner, R-Ala., leaving Congress in August

MOBILE, Ala., May 23 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner, R-Ala., said Thursday he will resign from Congress in August to take a position at the University of Alabama.

Bonner will leave Congress Aug. 15 to be vice chancellor of government relations and economic development at the University of Alabama System, friends told al.com.

Bonner's older sister, Judy Bonner, was named president of the university last year.

Bonner, 53, has represented Alabama's 1st Congressional District since 2003. He was re-elected in November without opposition.

Gov. Robert Bentley will schedule a special election to fill Bonner's seat.