Western Connecticut State University has decided not to immediately search for a new Vice President of Institutional Advancement when Interim Vice President Fred Wheeler steps down on June 2.

University President James Schmotter appointed Paul Steinmetz, director of university relations, to the interim post.

Wheeler took the interim post 18 months ago, said WCSU President James Schmotter, but he only agreed to an eight-month stint. In the last 18 months, Wheeler assembled a staff that is growing efforts to win private donations to the university.

Schmotter said because of budget uncertainties and the importance of focusing on academics at the university, he is not starting a full search for a vice president immediately.

Steinmetz is a former reporter, editor and business editor at The News-Times. He also writes a weekly column for Danbury Patch.