A longtime fixture on the Union College campus will serve as interim president when current President Roger Hull steps down on June 30.
James Underwood joined the Union faculty in 1963 and served in a variety of capacities for the Schenectady college, including dean of faculty (1988-94) and chairman of the political science department (1978-84).
“Jim is a teacher, scholar, mentor and friend,” Hull said. “He knows every tree, every planting, every nook and cranny on this campus.
Underwood, 67, retired from full-time teaching in 2003, but has kept an office in the college's emeritus center and remained active in campus events. He lives in Niskayuna.
Union's chairman of the board of trustees, Steve Ciesinski, called Underwood an “obvious first choice” to fill in as president from among candidates on campus.
Underwood said his goal would be to handle any logistical or practical problems that arise so that Hull's successor can start fresh in implementing the policy changes the new president wants to pursue.
A search committee headed by Union Trustee Frank Messa is sifting through possible replacements for Hull, who is retiring after 15 years as president.