UK Provost Tim Tracy will resign as provost, effective Dec. 31.

President Eli Capilouto sent a campus-wide email announcing Tracy’s decision to become chief executive officer of Aprecia Pharmaceuticals, which is based in Cincinnati.

Tracy has served as UK’s chief academic officer since February of 2015. He previously served as dean of the UK College of Pharmacy, beginning in 2010.

A provost is involved with nearly every academic function of the university.

“Our provost did not seek this opportunity,” Capilouto said in the email. “It sought him.”

Capilouto said he is sorry that Tracy is leaving. He listed several of Tracy’s accomplishments, including constructing the Strategic Plan and being “instrumental” in the initiation of UK College of Medicine sites in Bowling Green, Morehead and northern Kentucky.

“Personally, I will miss Tim’s hard work, dedication to our campus, and thoughtful counsel across the range of issues we have faced together,” Capilouto said.

Capilouto said Tracy’s impact is “deep and lasting.”

He said he will be consulting with deans and other senior administrators, the Senate Council Chair and others about the position.

“We will move quickly,” he said.