PULLMAN, Wash. -- Washington State University says Steven L. Hoch will not return as provost, but will remain as a history professor.

Hoch was placed on paid personal leave in September at his request, school officials said.

Hoch made the request less than two months after taking the job. No reason was announced.

University spokesman James Tinney said Hoch met with school President Elson S. Floyd to make his request and it was immediately granted.

"I have no indication about why it was requested," Tinney said.

Hoch, a historian who specializes in modern Russia, was a dean at the University of Kentucky when he accepted the Washington State position in May. He started work Aug. 1.

Tinney said Hoch's provost duties would be assumed by Warwick Bayly, dean of WSU's College of Veterinary Medicine.

The provost is the university's top academic officer and is in charge of the main campus in Pullman.