Jesuit scholar Timothy Lannon has been named president of Saint Joseph's University, officials announced at a press conference Friday.
Lannon, 52, will succeed current President Nicholas Rashford at the beginning of the next academic year. Rashford served as president of the university, located on the City Line, for 17 years.
The announcement concludes a 10-month national search of Jesuit and lay candidates.
Lannon said he is looking forward to his new position and believes he is well-qualified to handle its responsibilities.
"I feel confident that I can sustain and enhance the Catholic and Jesuit identity of Saint Joseph's University," he said in a press release Friday.
"The conclusion of Rashford's presidency is both a challenge and an opportunity," said St. Joseph Board of Trustees Chairman Francis Rosato in the same release. "The board is unequivocal in its support of Lannon."
Prior to his appointment, Lannon served as vice president for university advancement at Marquette University, a Jesuit institution in Wisconsin. He received his doctorate in administration and social policy in education from Harvard University in 2000.
Lannon said that through his experiences at other universities, he has gained "extensive managerial and leadership skills, [and] I hold deep respect and high regard for the academy."
Board of Trustees Vice Chairman John Smithson also commented on the success of Lannon and noted that the experience he has gained in his past roles will serve him well as president.
"Success has followed Tim Lannon throughout his career in Jesuit education," Smithson said. "His administrative and academic credentials are impeccable."
Under Rashford's 17-year tenure, the university grew both financially and academically. He focused on beautification and campus expansion projects that totalled over $100 million.
