Sharon Wood, Cockrell School of Engineering interim dean, will stay on as the school’s next dean, the University announced Friday.

After serving as chair of the school’s department of civil, architectural and environmental engineering, Wood became interim dean in October 2013. She replaced Gregory Fenves, who left the position in August 2013 to become the University’s executive vice president and provost.

According to the University, a national search was conducted for the position. Wood, who is the school’s first female dean, will officially become dean on Sept. 1.

Wood’s appointment comes as the school is scheduled to begin construction on the Engineering Education and Research Center. Scheduled to open in August 2017, the $310 million building will replace the school’s Engineering-Science Building. According to the University, the new building will allow for more project-based learning and interdisciplinary teaching and research.