President Ann Weaver Hart announced today in an email to UA employees that she has appointed Andrew Comrie as the UA’s senior vice president of academic affairs and provost.

Comrie, who has worked at the UA for 20 years, served as the associate vice president for research and dean of the graduate college before being appointed the position. As provost, Comrie will also act as the university’s chief academic officer where he will oversee all academic programs except for those within the health sciences and medical fields.

Comrie earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Cape Town in South Africa before receiving a doctoral degree from Pennsylvania State University.

Hart’s announcement was made just weeks after saying that filling “very critical executive leadership positions” would be a priority early after taking office herself.

Following the term in his new role, Comrie will return to his previous position heading the graduate school. Comrie, a climatologist, is also a tenured professor in the School of Geography and Development.