Barbara Romzek will lead the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences starting July 1, Kansas University officials announced Tuesday.

Romzek, associate dean of the College since 2000, will take over on an interim basis to replace Kim Wilcox, who is leaving to become provost at Michigan State University.

Romzek, a professor of public administration, recently chaired the university’s team for its 10-year reaccreditation review. She has been at KU since 1979.

KU officials plan to launch a search for a new dean this fall.

The College is the largest academic unit at KU, with more than 50 departments and programs, 650 faculty and 17,000 students.