The controversial dean of Cal Poly’s engineering college has officially stepped down from his post, according to a press release from the university.

Rumors of Mohammad Noori’s ouster had circulated for weeks leading up to the June 24 announcement. Noori sent an e-mail to staff on June 15 in which he remained ambiguous about upcoming “changes” in the college.

According to the university, Noori will remain at the college for at least a year teaching mechanical engineering courses, while Vice Provost Erling Smith assumes dean duties until a new dean can be selected. University administration expects to announce a new candidate “sometime in 2011,” according to the release.

Noori had been head of the college for four years, coming under fire for a failed deal with the Saudi Arabian government to build an engineering college there, as well as poor staff relations and alleged fiscal misjudgment.