School of Business Dean John Elliott has been named to serve as interim UConn provost, following current Provost Craig H. Kennedy’s decision to return to the faculty.

Kennedy informed the campus community of his decision by email Tuesday, thanking colleagues for their collegiality during what he called a rewarding and productive tenure in the position as the University’s top academic officer.

The change will allow UConn’s next president to select the provost of his or her choice, Kennedy said, adding that he believes the relationship between the two positions is critical to the institution. UConn is in the final stages of its search for a president to succeed Susan Herbst, who is stepping down and returning to the faculty July 1, after eight years as president.

“This [change] will allow the next president to select a provost based on their own academic priorities, vision for the institution, and their specific preferences regarding the individual who fills this role,” Kennedy wrote.

Kennedy came to the University for the position starting in April 2018. He will serve as provost until March 1, at which time Elliott will become interim provost.

President Susan Herbst announced Elliott’s appointment later Tuesday, thanking Kennedy for his service and wishing him well as he returns to the faculty in the Neag School of Education.

Herbst said in her announcement that Elliott will serve until a new provost is selected by UConn’s next president, according to that person’s timeline.

“Those of us who have worked closely with John over the years know him as an outstanding leader and colleague,” she said. “His deep and comprehensive understanding of the University’s academic enterprise, the needs of our faculty, and what it takes to be successful have helped to make him an exceptional dean. That experience and talent will also serve him very well as our interim provost.”

Elliott has served as dean of the School of Business and Auran J. Fox Chair at UConn since 2012.

Prior to coming to UConn, he served as vice president and dean of the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College, which is part of the City University of New York (CUNY); and the Irwin and Arlene Ettinger Professor of Accountancy, also at Baruch College.

He also spent 20 years on the faculty at Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management, also serving as associate dean for academic affairs.