Syracuse University has announced that it has appointed Lawrence Lewandowski as the interim chair of the Department of Psychology as the department’s former chair is now a permanent member of the university administration.

Lewandowski, professor and co-director of clinical training in the school psychology program at the College of Arts and Sciences, took over as interim chair earlier this month, according to an SU News release.

Lewandowski is expected to serve as interim chair of the Department of Psychology for 18 months, according to the release.

“Larry is a distinguished and highly valued faculty member,” said College of Arts and Sciences Dean Karin Ruhlandt in the release. “I am grateful to Larry for taking on this important leadership role and I am excited to partner with him in the weeks and months ahead.”

Lewandowski specializes in school psychology and clinical neuropsychology and teaches courses in brain and behavior, neuropsychology, socioemotional assessment, school psychology practicum and internship supervision, according to the release.

Lewandowski replaced the department’s previous chair, Peter Vanable, who became interim vice president for research at SU on Jan. 1 following Gina Lee-Glauser’s retirement at the end of 2015. Vanable also serves as interim dean of the Graduate School and will continue to do so until the university names a joint permanent vice president for research and dean of the Graduate School.

“I am delighted to serve the college and department in this role, especially given the enthusiastic support of the dean, our terrific faculty and our highly productive students,” Lewandowski said.