Syracuse University Senior Vice President for Human Capital Development Kal Alston is leaving the administration and rejoining the faculty, Interim Vice Chancellor and Provost Liz Liddy announced Wednesday.

By stepping back from her administrative role, Alston will be able to focus more on her work with the Office of the Provost and her National Science Foundation research project, which concludes at the end of this year, according to an SU news release. Alston will continue to assist Liddy with some ongoing projects.

Karen Morrissey, currently the executive director of human resources operations, will oversee day-to-day operations of human resources until SU’s national search for a new chief human resources officer concludes. Morrissey will report to Chancellor Kent Syverud, according to the release.

“Kal has been an outstanding asset in the university’s efforts to break down silos, enhance cross-disciplinary collaboration and ensure that the people who make this place great have the support they need to develop their full potential,” Liddy said in the release.

The projects Alston will continue to assist Liddy with include some issues relating to faculty promotion and tenure, according to the release. Alston will retain the faculty and staff wellness portfolio.

“I am looking forward to tackling a few projects that have been simmering on the back burner, developing some new courses and working with my colleagues in new capacities,” Alston said in the release.

Alston served as senior associate provost for academic administration before being named senior vice president for human capital development in 2011.