PORTLAND, Ore. – The state board of higher education on Friday chose Dr. Mary Cullinan as the new president of Southern Oregon University, ending a six-month search.

Cullinan is provost and vice president for academic affairs at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. She succeeds Dr. Elisabeth Zinser, who has led the Ashland school since 2001 and is retiring after 40 years in higher education.

Cullinan was chosen over two other candidates: current SOU Provost Earl H. Potter III and Peter Hoff, a professor and former president of the University of Maine.

Cullinan will be paid $171,000 per year, according to a release from the higher education board.