President Peggy R. Williams announced this morning the appointment of an interim provost for the spring semester.

Beginning Feb.1, James Malek will assume the duties of the provost and vice president for academic affairs. Malek served as provost at the college from 1998 to 2001 before becoming provost at Rollins College in Florida.

Williams will continue to serve as interim provost until Malek takes over the position.

The announcement came after a Jan. 3 Intercom statement from Williams announcing provost Peter Bardaglio’s plans to spend spring semester on sabattical and resign at the end of the academic year.

Williams said Malek expects to begin by Feb. 5. She said she is confident in his experience with administration and in his knowledge of the campus and community.

Williams announced Friday the search for a permanent provost will begin this spring, and said she hopes to finalize the search committee by the end of next week.