The dean of the School of Filmmaking at UNC School of the Arts is stepping down to take a job with the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. 

Susan Ruskin has been named dean of the AFI Conservatory and will be the institute's executive vice president.

Ruskin joined UNC's School of Filmmaking in 2009, taking over as dean in 2013. She also served on the board of directors of the RiverRun International Film Festival in Winston-Salem.

During Ruskin's tenure, the film school became a leader in innovative storytelling technology with new facilities including the 30,000-square-foot New Media Building. She also led the creation of M.F.A programs in Creative Producing and Screenwriting.

According to a press release, Ruskin will step down August 16th. An interim dean will be announced in the coming weeks, and a national search will be launched for a permanent replacement.