S. Jack Hu, the vice president for research at the University of Michigan, will take over as provost and vice president for academic affairs at the University of Georgia July 1.

Hu oversees the $1.5 billion research program at Michigan while also teaching manufacturing, serving on the executive committee of the National Academy of Engineering's Transportation Research Board and leading the driverless vehicle initiative Mcity. He previously served as associate dean for academic affairs and associate dean for research and graduate education in Michigan's College of Engineering.

UGA President Jere Morehead chose him from among four finalists selected by a faculty search committee.

Libby Morris, director of UGA's Institute of Higher Education, has been serving as interim provost since Pamela Whitten left to become president of Kennesaw State University in June. 

Let's take a moment to get all of the "Doctor Who"/who's the provost? jokes out of our systems. Now, if you'd like more information, the full news release from UGA is available here.