Northeastern is set to name Joseph E. Aoun, dean of the University of Southern California College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, the next president of the university later this week, according to a letter posted on the USC college’s Web site. “It is with no small measure of emotion that I write to tell you I will leave this position I value so dearly to assume the presidency of Northeastern University in Boston as of August 15, 2006,” Aoun wrote in the letter. Aoun was dean of the college, the university’s largest, for six years. Prior to serving as dean, he was a professor of linguistics. Look for The News’ Extra Presidential Edition around campus this Friday, as well as further online updates.