Sandra Gautt, Kansas University’s vice provost for faculty development, will step down from her post to return to teaching, KU officials announced today.

Gautt, who shepherded faculty development programs for 17 years at KU, will in August return full time to the faculty of the Department of Special Education, said outgoing provost David Shulenburger.

As vice provost, Gautt oversaw faculty mentoring, instructional development, faculty evaluation and promotion and tenure processing for the Lawrence campus.

She established the Center for Teaching Excellence and is responsible for converting a media services unit into today’s Instructional Development and Support department, according to KU.

“Many colleagues have her to thank for a smooth transition through their academic lives at KU,” Shulenburger said.