Longtime Brenau University history professor Jim Southerland will take on Brenau’s top academic role this week.

Before being named the vice president of academic services and dean of the faculty, Southerland was chairman of humanities in the Brenau College of Fine Arts and Humanities. He has been a member of the Brenau faculty for almost 40 years, according to a news release from the university.

Southerland succeeds Helen Ray, who retired at the end of 2008 after 15 years at Brenau University.

Brenau University Ed Schrader asked Southerland to assume the position to help the university enact its 15-year strategic plan to double its enrollment. According to the release, the university aims to expand enrollment by increasing emphasis on graduate education and offering doctoral degrees.