Texas A&M has named an interim head of the university's research efforts.

Dr. Theresa Fossum will serve as the interim vice president of research as A&M searches for the permanent seat-holder. Fossum is the Tom and Joan Read Endowed Chair in Veterinary Surgery and director of the Texas A&M Institute for Preclinical Studies.

"Since joining our faculty in 1987, Dr. Fossum has established a track record as an outstanding scientist, clinician and educator, and a leader in securing and managing research funding from both federal and corporate sources," A&M President R. Bowen Loftin said in a statement on the university's website. "It is critical that we not lose traction now, and I am confident that Dr. Fossum's professional reputation and experience will enable Texas A&M to build momentum in development of meaningful solutions to the complex issues of today."

Loftin added that a search process to find the permanent vice president will be announced next week.

The move comes with the resignation earlier this week of Jeff Seemann. He had served in the job since 2009 before he stepped down, just two months removed from his role being "consolidated" by A&M and the A&M System.