Some seven months into his new position in the UCM administration, Roger Best has a new job.

Best, who has served as executive vice president/COO since Jan. 1, was named the interim university president following a board of governors closed session on Monday, according to a press release.

President Chuck Ambrose announced on Friday that he is leaving the university for a position as CEO and president of KnowledgeWorks, a nonprofit education advocacy organization in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The board of governors will conduct a national search to permanently fill the position, according to the press release. Best will assume the responsibilities as president Aug. 1.

Ambrose said he begins his new job Sept. 1.

Board President John Collier praised Ambrose’s leadership and accomplishments over his eight-year tenure and expressed confidence in continuing to work with Best.

“We are excited that Dr. Roger Best has accepted the interim role as president. He is a proven leader with experiences in areas such as finance, administration and academics at UCM that make him a great choice for this temporary role,” Collier said.

Best will be responsible for filling the executive vice president/COO position when he takes over as president.

“We are especially indebted to Dr. Ambrose for his unparalleled leadership over the last eight years, and wish him well in his new venture,” Best said. “Despite some significant challenges over the last 18 months, we are a strong institution with a deep focus on student success. I have tremendous confidence in my exceptional UCM colleagues and know that together we will continue to grow our national reputation for academic excellence and innovation.”