Leonard Reid has withdrawn his acceptance as dean of the University of Tennessee College of Communication and Information.
Reid was to have started July 1. He was named to the position April 28.
UT Knoxville Chancellor Loren Crabtree said a sudden medical problem forced him to withdraw from the post.
“Leonard has developed a serious health condition that prevents him from assuming the position,” Crabtree said. “We’re sorry that he’s unable to join us. We understand that his health comes first and regret that this health problem prevents him from taking this position.
“We will meet with faculty to develop next steps and find new leadership for the college,” Crabtree said.
Reid was associate dean of graduate studies and research and professor of advertising at the University of Georgia Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.
He was named to replace Dr. Faye Julian, who is retiring after serving as dean of the college for the last three years.
Crabtree said no decision has been made on when the search for a new dean will begin.