Tim Miller, a professor in Kansas University’s religious studies department, will serve as acting department chairman through June, KU announced Wednesday. Miller replaces Paul Mirecki, who resigned from the position after statements he made disparaging religious fundamentalists and other religions were made public.

Miller was the department’s chairman from 1997 to 2002. A scholar of alternative religions in America, Miller has been on the faculty since 1973. Miller was appointed chairman by Barbara Romzek, interim dean of KU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

In a statement, Romzek said in upcoming months she would talk with faculty about plans for a permanent chairman.

Miller said Wednesday he was focused on trying to leave town for the holidays and didn’t have much to say about his new position.