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MISSOULA- The University of Montana is looking for a new vice president after the school announced Jim Foley's resignation.

The official word came down from the University of Montana Tuesday morning that Jim Foley is stepping down from his position as Vice President of External Relations, with UM President Royce Engstrom saying he and Foley felt a change was needed.

"The cumulative events of the last several months have just led us to the point of a mutual understanding that it's time for a change in personnel, and in the structure of the position," Engstrom said in an interview.

Foley will remain at the University for the next year as he continues to serve in his other roles.

"At this point, we're looking at this as a one year appointment. Jim will continue to do his work on federal relations, which he has been involved in, and he'll continue to do his work associated with collegiate level licensing," Engstrom explained.

The decision comes amidst several ongoing investigations of the university.

President Engstrom says there is a need to convey information to the media in a better way, and he feels a reconfiguration in the Vice President position is a necessary step to reach this goal.

"We know we need a change at this point, because our relationships with the media have not been as strong as they need to be and we're in the process of correcting that," Engstrom concluded.

Engstrom added the new position will be called Vice President for Integrated Communications and the search for applicants is already underway.