The drawn-out search for a Humanities and Natural Sciences dean has come to an end.

Professor Mary McCay, chairwoman and associate professor of the English Department, accepted the interim position on April 25.

“Professor McCay has more than 18 years of service to Loyola University New Orleans as a dedicated administrator and an exemplary faculty member,” wrote provost Walter Harris in a campus-wide e-mail.

In addition, Harris stated that McCay pledged to work collaboratively over the next year with her colleagues in searching for a permanent dean.

McCay, who trained as an Olympic swimmer, earned a bachelor’s in arts from Catholic University of America, a master’s in arts from Boston College and a Ph.D. in English from Tufts University before coming to Loyola University.

The director of Loyola’s Irish Studies Summer Program at Trinity University in Dublin, McKay has taught American Literature, Film, Travel Writing and Autobiography.

McCay has also written two books, “Rachel Carson” and “Ellen Gilchrist.”

Ramon Vargas can be reached at [email protected].