A nationwide search for Gainesville State College’s new vice president for academic affairs has led to a University of Illinois administrator.

Marya Leatherwood will assume the position of vice president for academic affairs at Gainesville State on April 20.

Leatherwood now serves as the associate vice chancellor and director of enrollment management in the division of student affairs at the University of Illinois at Springfield, where she has worked since 1991.

Leatherwood received her doctorate in organizational behavior from the University of Iowa in 1985. Her prior administrative appointments include department chair, interim dean and associate provost.

Gainesville State College President Martha Nesbitt said she is excited to welcome Leatherwood.

"Her experience will serve us well, and her leadership style was well received during her visit and interviews," Nesbitt said. "She was clearly the first choice among several highly qualified candidates, and we are happy that she has chosen to join our ‘family.’"