After a second bid for a university president job, current EWU provost Rex Fuller is headed off to Western Oregon University as its 23rd president.

His term begins on July 1, 2015, the same date WOU installs its inaugural board of trustees. A WOU press release said the college would from then on run as an independent, public institution.

Fuller was appointed by president emeritus Rodolfo Arévalo in December 2010, after spending six months acting as interim provost. In a press release from 2010, Fuller said he wants “to ensure that EWU remains committed to preparing its graduates for success in a dynamic global society.”

Fuller’s term officially started in January 2011. Fuller has worked at EWU since 2006.

Before becoming provost and vice president of academic affairs, Fuller had served as the executive dean for EWU-Spokane and the dean of College of Business and Public Administration.

President Mary Cullinan commended Fuller’s contributions to EWU in a special announcement on Eastern 24/7.

“His leadership skills have helped support and enhance our academic mission as well as EWU’s reputation for excellent academic programs,” she said.

Cullinan also started a search for a new provost and said she is looking for input from faculty, staff and students.