After interviewing candidates, UNA announced Ross Alexander will take over as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost effective July 1.

The board of trustees selected Alexander over 40 additional applicants, said Director of University Communications Bryan Rachal in a press release.

“Dr. Alexander handled himself well in all settings and received very broad support from the campus community, from key stakeholders and from the search committee,” said UNA President Ken Kitts.

Alexander said in a press conference March 16 he wants to expand the online programs UNA offers.

“Dr. Kitts’ vision for the campus is something I very much want to get on board with,” Alexander said. “There’s an energy here that is infectious, and I want to be a part of it.”

Alexander said he plans to bring a new perspective to problems at UNA.

“I still think like a faculty member,” Alexander said. “I prefer a decentralized, administrative structure to get the money as close to the faculty as possible. If somebody says ‘well, we’ve never done that around here before,’ I don’t care. If it makes sense and it seems to have support, let’s give it a try.”

Alexander comes to UNA from Indiana University-East in Richmond, Indiana, where he served as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education and Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, according to the press release.

Alexander also served at Northern Illinois University, Dominican University and the University of North Georgia.