The University of Southern California Board of Trustees announced Friday that C.L. Max Nikias will step down from his position as the school president amidst heightened criticisms from students and faculty members over his handling of a sexual abuse case involving a former physician at the campus.

George Tyndall, 71, a veteran gynecologist at the school student health center, was accused of sexually abusing many patients over a tenure that span 30 years. He especially targeted Chinese international students because their limited understanding of English and US medical procedure.

"Today, President Nikias and the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees have agreed to begin an orderly transition and commence the process of selecting a new president," wrote Rick J. Caruso, a member of the board, in a statement released Friday. "We recognize the need for change and are committed to a stable transition."

Nikias' resignation came just a few days after the school Academic Senate along with 200 faculty members called on him to step down for prioritizing the reputation of the school over the safety of his students, the Los Angeles Times reported.