Arno Rethans has stepped down from his position as senior vice provost for academic affairs, effective Thursday.

Rethans worked as senior vice provost since 1999, according to a staff email.

“He has provided exemplary leadership in a range of critical academic affairs and university responsibilities and initiatives,” wrote Belle Wei, provost and vice president for academic affairs, in the email.

He will be returning to his faculty position as a professor of marketing in the College of Business.

Rethans’ replacement has not been chosen but members of the Executive Management, Evaluation and Development Committee have begun the search for a suitable replacement. In the meantime, Wei will be assuming the responsibilities of senior vice provost until a new candidate is chosen.

“We all greatly appreciate Arno’s contributions to the university,” Wei wrote.

Steven Verstelle can be reached at [email protected] or @theorion_news on Twitter.