Elliott School of International Affairs Dean Reuben Brigety will step down at the end of the semester to head Sewanee: The University of the South, according to a University release.

Brigety, who has served as the Elliott School’s dean for five years, will become vice chancellor and president of Sewanee starting Aug. 1 but will remain in his post at the Elliott School until the semester concludes, the release states. Provost Brian Blake will announce an interim dean for the school “in the coming weeks,” according to the release.

“Our dynamic community of students, faculty, staff and alumni is among the brightest in the world, and I am confident the school will continue on its strong trajectory moving forward as we remain true to our mission of building leaders for the world,” Brigety said in the release.

Brigety promoted access to research opportunities and provided “increased fellowship support” during his time as dean, the release states. During his tenure, the school also saw the launch of a bachelor of science degree in international affairs and the debut of the Leadership, Ethics and Practice initiative, a program designed to teach students leadership skills they will need in their careers in international affairs.

“In the short time I have known Dean Brigety, I have been impressed by his passion for his field, his collaborative approach and his advocacy for the Elliott School’s faculty, staff, students and alumni,” Blake, the provost, said in the release.

Brigety’s departure follows a series of high-profile academic departures at GW, including the heads of the School of Media and Public Affairs Director, GW Law School, the Corcoran School of Arts and Design and the School of Engineering and Applied Science.