Cornell University President David Skorton has named an interim Provost, who will take over the position when Kent Fuchs steps down next month to ready himself for his new role as the President of the University of Florida.

Dean of the Industrial and Labor Relations School Harry Katz will take over the position on November 14th.

The provost acts as the university’s chief academic officer and chief operating officer for the Ithaca campus and all related campuses.

Katz will serve in his interim capacity until a provost is named.

President-elect Elizabeth Garrett will lead a search for a provost, which is expected to conclude by early fall of 2015.