MOREHEAD, Ky. (AP) – Wayne D. Andrews, a vice president at East Tennessee State University, was chosen Thursday to be Morehead State University’s next president.

The other two finalists for the job – G. Edward Hughes, the founding president and chief executive officer of Gateway Community and Technical College in Covington, and Peter Hoff, former president of the University of Maine – had removed themselves from consideration in the 24 hours before the board’s decision.

Morehead’s regents voted unanimously to authorize a four-year contract for Andrews at an annual salary of $210,000, beginning Jan. 1.

“I am delighted that I will be leading a school that cares so much about its students,” Andrews said in a statement released by Morehead. “I am passionate about the mission of Morehead State.”

Regents Chairman James H. Booth said Andrews was definitely the best candidate.

President Ronald G. Eaglin, who is retiring next month and who is the longest-tenured current president of a public university in Kentucky, congratulated the board for making what he described as “an excellent choice.”

“Dr. Andrews will make a wonderful president for Morehead State University,” he said. “I look forward to working with him on a smooth transition of leadership.”

Andrews is vice president for administration and chief operating officer at the Johnson City, Tenn., school.

Andrews, 56, and his wife, Susan, will visit the campus Friday afternoon, and the university will hold a news conference during the visit.

Andrews is a graduate of Fitchburg (Mass.) State College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1974, and West Virginia University where he received both a master’s degree in 1976 and an doctorate in 1977.

Andrews and his wife, a reading specialist in the Johnson City Public Schools, have two children: Josh, 26, and Jill, 24.