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MACOMB, ILL. -- Western Illinois University has named a new president.

Dr. Jack Thomas, Provost and Academic Vice President with the university will replace Dr. Al Glodfarb when he retires June 30.

Thomas with be the 11th President to serve the school. He was among four finalists competing for the job.

"I came to Western because I believed in its mission and vision. I believed in this institution's values and its commitment to students. If it had not been for public universities like Western, I would not be where I am today," said Thomas.

Thomas has served as provost and academic vice president at Western since January 2008. Under his leadership, WIU has established new academic programs in engineering, nursing, anthropology, museum studies and religious studies.

"As president-elect, I plan to work with all constituencies to continue to move this outstanding institution forward as a leading university in Illinois and beyond the state's borders," Thomas noted.

Thomas and Goldfarb agree budget will be the main challenge moving forward. Dr. Goldfarb says Thomas will do a remarkable job as his replacement and hopes a familiar face will be a positive influence on campus.

Goldfarb said, "My hope is that it'll make the university a little bit more comfortable in a very difficult economic time. He's aware of the budgetary situation, he's seen some of the things we've done in terms of enrollment and other issues. These are very difficult times so hopefully it will make the campus feel like there is some stability here."

Thomas and his wife, Linda, have two sons. Patrick is a sophomore at Western Illinois University, and Darius is a sophomore at Macomb Senior High School.