Richard J. Murnane, a professor known for his research on the intersection of economics and education, has been named acting dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, University President Drew G. Faust announced Thursday.

Murnane will begin his term as interim dean July 1, following the departure of current dean Kathleen McCartney, who will take over as president of Smith College after eight years at the helm of the Ed School.

“Dick Murnane has long been an admired leader within the Ed School faculty, recognized for his excellent scholarship and teaching, his wide experience and collegial style, and his deep devotion to the School and its beneficial impact on education policy and practice,” Faust said in a statement. “I am grateful to him for taking on this interim role, and I know he can count on the advice and support of people throughout the HGSE community.”

Murnane, who has been a member of the Ed School faculty since 1983, was trained as an economist, and much of his work has focused on the relationship between the shifting American economy and its education system. He said Thursday that he is honored to serve as acting dean as the search for a permanent dean continues.

“I am pleased to serve the School during this period of transition, ” Murnane said in a statement. “My colleagues and I are gratified by President Faust’s efforts to find a dean who will lead our vibrant School well.”

Murnane will delay a planned sabbatical until a permanent dean is found. In a message to the Ed School community Thursday, Faust said that the search is “progressing well” with the help of a faculty advisory committee and assistance from individuals across the University, but did not publicize a timetable for that search.

McCartney said that Murnane’s colleagues were “dancing in their offices” when they heard the news.

“I cannot imagine a better choice,” she said. “He’s an amazing person. He’s an amazing institution builder.”

Though the length of Murnane’s term is uncertain, McCartney said that she expects he will play a large role in crafting the school’s future.

“He’s an economist so he’ll understand how to build the school financially,” McCartney said. “I know he’ll make progress in our aspirations for the capital campaign and in our academic planning.”

McCartney first announced her departure last December. During her eight-year tenure as dean, she worked to diversify the school on all fronts, growing financial aid, hiring more minority faculty, and expanding degree offerings. In 2009, she helped launch a first-of-its-kind Doctor of Education Leadership Program. She also worked during her tenure to establish the framework for the school’s first Ph.D. in education, which is set to launch next year.

—Staff writer Nikita Kansra can be reached at nkansra01@college.harvard.edu. Follow her on Twitter @NikitaKansra.

—Staff writer Nicholas P. Fandos can be reached nicholasfandos@college.harvard.edu. Follow him on Twitter @npfandos.