Jeffrey Herbst was Monday named the 16th president of Colgate University after the board of trustees unanimously approved his appointment.

Herbst, 48, will take office in the summer of 2010 when he will succeed Interim President Dr. Lyle Roelofs, who assumed that role following the departure of Colgate's 15th president Dr. Rebecca Chopp, who is now president of Swarthmore College.

Herbst previously served as Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs in Miami University of Ohio.

Jeffrey Herbst articulated a vision for the liberal arts at a time when all of higher education is going through a period of reflection and readjustment, said Christopher Clifford '67, chair of Colgate's Board of Trustees.

Based on his knowledge of Colgate's mission and strategic direction, Jeff conveyed to the search committee his confidence in the university's ability to thrive in an ever more global, diverse, and interconnected world. We are confident that Jeff will build on Colgate's strengths and engage our community in exciting new efforts to strengthen our position as a leader in higher education, Clifford added.