In an announcement Monday, the Athens, Ohio school said that Shawn Ostermann, an associate professor and chair of the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology, will start the job on Jan. 1.

The university said that Ostermann, who has taught there for 13 years and specializes in computer networking and data security, will serve as interim CIO while OU continues a national search for a permanent CIO. Ostermann is not interested in the post long term, according to the school.

Ostermann will replace William "Bill" Sams, who announced his resignation in July but has remained in place while the school sought a successor. Sams' resignation came amid an IT reorganization implemented on the recommendation of an external consulting firm that audited the university's security after several breaches were discovered between late April and early June.

Even as Ostermann begins his work as interim CIO, Sams plans to remain at the school as an associate provost working on technology-related projects, the school said. Among his assignments will be technology governance and helping Ostermann with his move to the CIO's post.

When Sams, who became CIO in 2004, stepped down, he said, "It has become clear to me that a new energy level and skill set is going to be required in order to allow our IT organization to realize its potential."