University President Henry Bienen wrote in an e-mail message Tuesday that there is “not yet” a replacement for Provost Lawrence B. Dumas, even though he will officially step down at the end of August.

“I’m not sure, given travel plans – mine and others – (that) we can get this done before then,” he wrote. “I hope so. (The) latest would be early September.”

Dumas, who has been diagnosed with an undisclosed illness, plans to take a year off before deciding whether to return to Northwestern University in the department of biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology.

Bienen wrote that he was “not surprised” by Provost Dumas’ decision to step down. “We had been discussing this for some time since his illness was diagnosed,” Bienen wrote. “He undergoes difficult treatment.”

In a past message, Bienen wrote that Dumas made the decision to step down so someone with more availability could devote his full attention to being provost.

But as of now, a replacement is yet to be found, though Bienen wrote that he seeks someone within NU.

“I am looking for an excellent and experienced person for the job,” Bienen wrote. “This will be filled by someone already at Northwestern.”

Currently, Bienen, as well as the associate provosts, are covering some of the provost’s duties, Bienen wrote.

“We can do this for a while, but not for that long,” he wrote.

Dumas has been a member of NU’s faculty since 1970.

He began in the department of biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology, and was made an associate professor in 1975. He became a full professor in 1980.Dumas also served as the dean of the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences for eight years.

“Provost Dumas is a remarkable person who has done a terrific job for Northwestern for many years as Dean and later as Provost,” Bienen wrote.

Reach Emily Glazer at [email protected].