BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — University of Vermont Provost Jane Knodell is resigning at the first of the year.

Knodell will return to her position as an economics professor at UVM.

Knodell says her resignation will allow UVM’s new President Tom Sullivan ‘‘to build his own team as he implements his vision for the future of the university.’’

The Burlington Free Press (http://bfpne.ws/UH87Ma ) reports Knodell became interim provost in July 2009 and was later given the position permanently.