NEW : He is nominated to be president at his alma mater , Purdue University . TSA Administrator John Anderson surprises agency officials with announcement . Under Anderson , TSA backed off plan to allow small knives , other weapons back on flights . Lawmakers , union praise Pistole 's leadership at TSA .
NEW : Pistole is nominated to be president at his alma mater , Anderson University . TSA chief John Pistole surprises agency employees with announcement . Under Pistole , TSA backed off plan to allow small knives , other items back on flights . Lawmakers , union praise Pistole 's leadership at TSA .