The state Board of Regents selected William Ruud Thursday as the 10th president of the University of Northern Iowa.

Two candidates interviewed for the position on Thursday. Ruud currently serves as the president of the Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania, according to a regents press release.

“Dr. Ruud has demonstrated excellence in all areas that are critical to leading the University of Northern Iowa,” Bruce Rastetter, the regetnts’ president pro tem, said in the release. “The board is confident that Dr. Ruud will be an exceptional and innovative leader who will build on the university’s many strengths, particularly for its students and the state of Iowa.”

Ruud will assume duties as president of UNI on June 1. His annual salary will be $340,000.

Ruud will replace current UNI President Ben Allen, who will retire.