The University of Georgia announced Monday it has named a high-ranking administrator from the University of Michigan as its new provost.

S. Jack Hu, vice president for research at the University of Michigan, has been named the University of Georgia’s next senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, effective July 1.

Hu was chosen among four finalists identified through a national search to fill UGA’s chief academic officer role.

“I believe Dr. Hu possesses the unique background and experience to continue elevating our national prominence in research, innovation and graduate education while building on our superior undergraduate learning environment,” UGA President Jere Morehead said in a statement. “I am excited to welcome him to campus this summer.”

Hu said in a statement he hopes to build upon UGA’s work in education, research and innovation. University of Michigan President Mark S. Schlissel and Mary Sue Coleman, president of the Association of American Universities, commended UGA for hiring Hu.

At Michigan, Hu oversees a research enterprise that spans the university’s campuses in Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint and generates annual expenditures exceeding $1.5 billion, UGA said. Hu is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and currently serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the National Academies’ Transportation Research Board.

UGA began its search last year after Pamela Whitten was hired to become president of Kennesaw State University.

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