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In just two weeks, UCLA will officially have a new chancellor – but one who will only hold the position for less than six months.

University of California President Robert Dynes appointed Norman Abrams, a UCLA professor emeritus of law, as the interim chancellor effective July 1. This way, the chancellor advisory committee can continue reviewing candidates for the permanent role of UCLA chancellor.

Abrams will temporarily take the chancellor position when Carnesale steps down. The advisory committee will not be forced to rush its selection in order to make a decision by Carnesale's last day, which is June 30.

“We’re certainly not going to appoint a (permanent) chancellor just so we have someone there. We’re going to have a thorough process like we did before,” said Jared Fox, a member of the committee.

Abrams has been a UCLA law faculty member since 1959 and has taught as a full-time professor in the areas of federal criminal law, anti-terrorism law and evidence. During his time here, Abrams has also served as the vice chancellor of academic personnel from 1991 to 2001 and the interim dean of the law school in 2003 to 2004.

“Professor Abrams is an accomplished scholar and administrator, and he knows the UCLA community well,” Dynes said in a statement released today. “I am confident he will provide thoughtful and strong leadership during this transition period.”

Abrams will receive the standard pension and health benefits in addition to an annual salary of $320,000. Similarly, Carnesale earned $324,516 as a part of a total compensation package.

The chancellor advisory committee has been working for the past nine months toward recommending a candidate to succeed Carnesale.

Once the committee chooses a candidate, its recommendation will be made to Dynes, who will then seek final approval from the UC Board of Regents.

The committee’s work will continue through the summer, Fox said.

Though he said it will be more complicated for committee members to meet over the summer because of the plans that some committee members may have had scheduled, he said this will not deter the committee members’ dedication to the process.

Dynes made Abrams’ appointment after consulting with several UC regents and will seek the board’s confirmation during the regents meeting in San Francisco on July 19 and 20, according to a UC Office of the President press release.

The committee itself did not have much involvement with Abrams’ appointment as interim chancellor because that decision needed to be made by Dynes, committee member Eleanor Brewer said.

"UCLA is just one incredible university and we cannot let it down. We've got to have a first-class chancellor for a first-class research university. We're motivated because it’s our school, just like everyone else who goes there," Brewer added regarding the work that lies ahead and the motivational factor that has fueled the continued work done.

Last September, Carnesale announced he would vacate his post at the conclusion of the 2006 school year.

Following his announcement, Dynes created a 17-member search committee to begin reviewing applicants in the search for the next chief executive.

Six weeks ago, the search seemed to near its end – there were reports that Syracuse University Provost Deborah Freund was named as the top pick from the pool of candidates and was already in salary and compensation negotiations with Dynes. But several days later she withdrew herself from consideration, citing family conflicts.

At that time, Alberto Pimentel, vice president at A.T. Kearney, the search firm hired to solicit candidates for the position, said the search would not have to start from “scratch.”