Jim Bean, the University of Oregon's senior vice president and provost, has requested a return to teaching in the Lundquist College of Business, UO President Michael Gottfredson announced Wednesday afternoon.

Bean will continue in his current position through the end of the fiscal year on June 30.

"Jim’s more than four years of outstanding service to the University of Oregon as senior vice president and provost came at a particularly critical time for the institution," Gottfredson said in an e-mail to the campus community. "His efforts to develop a transparent budget system for the university and to place the campus on a better financial footing have been especially noteworthy. Equally important is his work with faculty and the deans to develop a dynamic academic plan."

Gottfredson, who arrived at the UO in August, thanked Bean for his "guidance, counsel and leadership" during his first months as president. After returning to the business faculty, Bean will continue working on what the president described as "certain critical opportunities facing the university."

"I am very appreciative that Jim has agreed to continue to lend substantial support to issues he has played a major role in during his time as provost," Gottfredson said. 

Bean came to the UO in 2004 as the Harry B. Miller professor and dean of the Lundquist College of Business. He previously spent 24 years at the University of Michigan, ultimately serving as associate dean for academic affairs and professor of industrial and operations engineering.

He grew up in Beaverton and after graduating from Beaverton High School, received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, Calif. He received his master’s degree and doctorate in operations research from Stanford University.

Bean’s research interests include genetic algorithms, integer programming and infinite horizon optimization as applied to equipment replacement, capacity expansion, asset management, production and scheduling.

Gottfredson said he will initiate a nationwide search for Bean's permanent successor, and will look for input from campus and the community as he considers an interim replacement to take on the role of senior vice president and provost on July 1.

Bean returned to his current role last summer, after being granted a sabbatical in 2011 to recover from a medical issue.