Thomas Rochon has been named the eighth president of Ithaca College and will begin his position July 1.

Rochon said being named president was an indescribable feeling.

“The vote of confidence by the Board of Trustees was just overwhelming,” Rochon said. “I’m just looking forward to the opportunity so much I can hardly wait to start.”

Rochon is now the executive vice president and chief academic officer of the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn.

Rochon said his leadership style probably would not change, because his position at St. Thomas requires the same type of leader as Ithaca.

“The only leadership style that works … is one that’s very collaborative,” Rochon said. “In a way, the job of the president is to … help everyone else do their job.”

The search for a new president began last July when President Peggy R. Williams announced her plans to retire at the end of the school year. Rochon was selected by the college’s Board of Trustees, chaired by C. William Schwab ’68, they received hearing recommendations from the presidential search committee.

Schwab said Rochon was the best match for the college because of his experience at St. Thomas, as well as his understanding of issues in higher education.

“He is an extremely accomplished academician and scholar,” Schwab said. “I think he understands what is necessary to provide and deliver excellence in education at both the undergraduate and graduate level.”

Check theithacan.org later for more information about the new president and next week’s Ithacan for the full article.