(CNN) University of Southern California President C. L. Max Nikias stepped down from his role effective Tuesday, according to a statement released by the school.

He had announced his plans to step down as president of the university in May, after a former campus gynecologist was accused of sexual misconduct. Nikias will move into the role of president emeritus and life trustee of the university, according to USC's statement.

Board member Wanda Austin has been named interim president while the search for a permanent replacement continues.

Austin served as president and CEO of the Aerospace Corp. from 2008 to 2016. Described as an advocate for STEM, minorities and women, she received a Ph.D. in industrial and systems engineering from USC in 1988, according to the university statement.

Austin previously was appointed by Barack Obama to serve on the President's Council of Advisers on Science and Technology, and in 2016, she received the Goddard Astronautics Award.

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