DOVER — Six weeks after naming a new provost, Delaware State University is searching for a chief academic officer once more.

James Ammons informed university officials over the weekend he will not be moving to the university, DSU spokesman Carlos Holmes said Wednesday. Dr. Ammons, who currently serves as a political science professor at Florida A&M University and was president there from 2007 to 2012, had been due to start at DSU July 18.

James Ammons

Mr. Holmes said Dr. Ammons is leaving for personal reasons, the exact nature of which he is unaware. Delaware State University administrators will “just have to go back to square one” and begin a new search, Mr. Holmes said.

He did not have an estimate for how long that may take.

The previous provost, Alton Thompson, resigned March 4 and took a position with the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore soon after.

In announcing Dr. Ammons’ appointment May 25, DSU President Harry Williams said he was the first choice of the students, faculty, administrators, board of trustees and search committee.

“We are fortunate to have an individual of such great talents and academic experience,” Dr. Williams said in a statement. “I’m particularly enthusiastic that Ammons has the background and experience which will allow him to hit the ground running.”

The provost at DSU, who formally holds the title of provost and vice president of academic affairs, “oversees all operations of the Division of Academic Affairs,” according to the university’s website.