Interim Provost Paul Courant recommended history Prof. Terrence McDonald for the position of interim LSA dean yesterday.

Although the appointment needs to be approved by the University Board of Regents, Regent Olivia Maynard (D-Goodrich) said the regents object to these appointments only in extreme circumstances.

"I think that's the responsibility of the provost ... I honor his decision," Maynard said.

McDonald will take over for Dean Shirley Neuman, who will leave the University July 1 to become provost of the University of Toronto.

"I am extremely grateful to (Prof. McDonald) for taking on this important assignment, and I have every confidence that he will serve the University and college very well," Courant said in a written statement.

McDonald, a faculty member since 1980, became a full professor in 1992. His focus is American history, primarily urban political studies and historian methods. He is the recipient of numerous awards, grants and fellowships from institutions including the Social Science History Association and the University's Institute for Humanities.

"He's marvelous, he has rich experience, he's wonderfully professional," English Prof. Ralph Williams said.

McDonald said he is excited and honored to accept the job. He sees his first responsibility as addressing concerns of the faculty and students. He said he is not sure if he wants to be considered for the position permanently.

"I think we'll cross that bridge when we come to it," McDonald said. "Job number one is not imposing any agenda of my own." McDonald would come in with several years experience as an administrator. He is currently interim chair of the history department. From 1995 to 2000, he served as LSA Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

During his time as associate dean, he oversaw all aspects of the college, including policy changes, faculty hiring and promotions. Two years ago the University awarded him the Harold Johnson Diversity Service Award for his encouragement of diversity within LSA faculty.

"The characteristic of his period of his administration was the very high level of day to day efficiency, attentiveness and courtesy of which he conducted the life of the college," Williams said.

Rackham Graduate School Dean Earl Lewis said he is optimistic about McDonald's appointment. "My expectation is Terry will come in with a honeymoon period," Lewis said. "He will have the opportunities to build his own relationship with everybody in the college. It's my expectation that everybody will find that they can work with Terry."

McDonald joins a group of other University leaders who hold temporary positions, including interim President B. Joseph White and Courant.

History Prof. Charles Bright said although "the chairs and directors have a lot of confidence in (McDonald)", he worries about the stability of the University. "It's a strange situation, it's one in which everything will change again," Bright said. "I think what they should do is spin the bottle and make one of the interims permanent."

Williams said although the departure of University officials represents a "syncopation in the ongoing music of the University," each of the interim administrators is "deeply experienced in the life of the University."