DeKALB | Eric Dannenmaier, former College of Law dean, has resigned from his position but is expected to work in the Division of Research and Innovation Partnership.

Dannenmaier, who began as dean June 1, 2016, was placed on voluntary administrative leave in February because of an alleged complaint of improper conduct in the workplace, according to an official statement provided by Spokesperson Joe King.

Since the conclusion of an internal investigation, Dannenmaier resigned citing “his desire to see the law school remain focused on its important educational mission” and to pursue his work in environmental law and policy, according to the statement.

Officials intend to give Dannenmaier a role in the Division of Research and Innovation Partnership to develop strategies to ensure the university’s research and scholarship inform governmental policy at the local, state and national level.

Mark Cordes, College of Law professor, assumed the role of acting dean during Dannenmaier’s leave.

Cordes is expected to continue as the interim dean pending the Board of Trustees’ approval during Wednesday’s special meeting, according to the statement.

In an email to incoming law students, Cordes assured students the College of Law and university administration are committed to providing excellent legal education.

“As we embark upon a national search for a new dean in the near future, the College of Law and university administration are committed together to maintaining the excellent legal education that NIU has offered for over 40 years,” Cordes said in the email.