PORTLAND (AP) – The University of New England has chosen a college administrator from South Carolina to be its new president.

Danielle Ripich, 60, will take over this summer for Sandra Featherman, who is stepping down after leading the Biddeford-based school for 11 years.

Ripich is now the dean of the College of Health Professions at Medical University of South Carolina at Charleston. She was chosen from a field of about 70 candidates.

Ripich said she was drawn to the school because it seemed like a good fit with her background in the arts and sciences and her research experience. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in speech pathology from Cleveland State University, and a Ph.D. in speech pathology from Kent State University.

“I didn’t apply to any other presidency,” she said.

The University of New England, which was founded in 1831, has campuses in Biddeford and Portland with programs in health sciences, natural sciences, human services, management, education and the liberal arts. The university also has Maine’s only medical school, the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine.

It has about 3,400 students, including approximately 500 medical students.

In coming to the University of New England, Ripich will be thrust into two major fundraising campaigns for a new biomedical research building and a cultural arts center.

Vince Furey, chairman of the university’s board of trustees, said the search process was deliberate and inclusive.

“I think Danielle Ripich has an engaging personality and she brings a wealth of talent and a high level of energy to the position,” Furey said.

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Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://www.pressherald.com

AP-ES-01-03-06 0750EST

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