Michael R. Lane, vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, will be Emporia State University’s new president, the Kansas Board of Regents announced today.

Lane begins work Nov. 1.

“Dr. Lane rose to the top of a group of 65 applicants, and we’re extremely impressed by Dr. Lane’s experience, character, and the enthusiasm he will bring with him to Emporia,” Board chairman Nelson Galle said.

Lane previously served as provost at Mansfield University in Pennsylvania, and was also the dean of the school of business at Berry College in Georgia.

He will be formally introduced to the ESU campus and the Emporia community on Friday.

An introduction and press conference will take place that morning in the Plumb Hall Rotunda on the ESU campus, followed by a reception at 2 p.m. in ESU’s Memorial Union Ballroom.

The campus and community are encouraged and invited to attend both events. Specific event details will soon be posted on ESU’s website at: www.emporia.edu/presprofile.