Kenneth Lusht, a professor and department chair in the Smeal College of Business, will become the new interim dean of the college, effective Jan. 1, 2006.

Lusht will be replacing Judy Olian, who announced her resignation from Penn State in September after six years at the university. She accepted a dean position at the UCLA Anderson School of Management.

Smeal College of Business spokesman Wyatt DuBois said Vice President Rodney Erickson was in charge of appointing Lusht.

He said that Erickson most likely had some input from Penn State President Graham Spanier and the committee that is searching for a permanent dean.

DuBois said Lusht's qualifications for the job include his proven leadership abilities and well-respected reputation in the college.

As interim dean, Lusht will have the same powers as an appointed dean, Penn State spokesman Tysen Kendig said.

The only difference, he said, is that the appointment does not give Lusht the position permanently at this point in time.

The length of time that Lusht will stay in office depends on how long it takes for the committee to complete the search for a permanent dean, Kendig said.

David Wormley, the dean of the College of Engineering and the head of the search committee in charge of finding a new dean for the Smeal College, said he hopes that the committee will be able to make recommendations to the administration in the spring.

He said the search is international, and the committee is accepting nominations from all over the world.

Lusht was reached, but he was not able to answer questions at that time because of prior time engagements.