College of Law Dean Bruce Smith announced Thursday morning that he is stepping down as dean, a position he has held for five years. 

Smith’s resignation will be effective June 1, and he will return to the College of Law faculty as a tenured professor. 

The College of Law has named Law professor John Colombo as new interim dean, pending approval from the University Board of Trustees at its meeting on May 14 in Springfield. A national search will be conducted for a permanent replacement.

This is not the first time Colombo has temporarily stepped in as a dean for the College of Law. Colombo served as associate dean of the college from 1995-98, 1999-2000 and 2010-12. He served as acting dean during 1998 and 2001, and interim dean in 2002, according to a press release from the University..

Colombo has been a faculty member for 26 years and primarily teaches tax law. He has written books regarding tax exemptions for charitable foundations and hospitals, according to the report.