The University of Georgia formed a 23-person committee to begin the national search for a new provost.

Jere Morehead, the current provost, becomes president July 1. He replaces Michael Adams, who is stepping down June 30 after leading the school for 16 years.

Search committee members include faculty, staff, students, administrators and alumni. The group is expected to finish by the end of fall semester, Morehead said in a news release Thursday.

The provost is the chief academic officer and oversees instruction, research, public service and outreach, student affairs and information technology. The deans of all 17 UGA schools and colleges report to the provost.