The president of the University of Southern California, C. L. Max Nikias, resigned on Tuesday, less than a week after hundreds of professors issued a letter demanding that he step aside before classes begin this month.

The university had already pledged to “begin an orderly transition” to find a new president, but it appeared to fast-forward the process on Tuesday, announcing that Mr. Nikias would step down effective immediately.

Wanda M. Austin, an engineer and former corporate chief executive, was appointed interim president. She is the first woman and the first African-American to lead the private university, U.S.C. said.

The change in leadership comes after a series of scandals at the university, brought to light by The Los Angeles Times. U.S.C. came under fire for its handling of reports that the longtime gynecologist at the campus health center had mistreated students for decades. Although an internal investigation found that the doctor had conducted pelvic exams inappropriately and made offensive remarks to patients, officials settled the matter quietly and did not report it to the state medical board.