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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- The dean of the University of South Carolina's Darla Moore School of Business is stepping down.

In a statement Wednesday, Hildy Teegen said she will carry out her duties until a successor is identified and take a one-year sabbatical starting in the fall of 2013.

University spokesman Wes Hickman says Teegen has been head of the business school since 2007. Hickman says Teegen plans to engage in other business opportunities and intends to return to the classroom after her sabbatical.

Teegen's research has involved the interactions among business, government and nonprofits, as well as economic development.

University Provost Michael Amiridis praised Teegen's leadership in promoting USC's nationally ranked business school and its progress toward the construction of a new business school building.