UNITY (AP) – A New Hampshire professor who has spent his career working on environmental issues has been named the new president of Unity College.

Mitchell Thomashow will start his new job in July. He was approved by the college’s board of trustees to replace interim president Mark Lapping.

Thomashow has taught for 30 years at Antioch New England Graduate School in Keene, N.H., where he is chairman of the environmental studies department. He is the author of two books that focus on the environment.

“I just feel that awareness of environmental issues is crucial for all of us to have good lives,” Thomashow said. “I’m interested in being president, because I feel I can really make a difference and bring people together.”

Unity College is a small, private college in the town of Unity that emphasizes the environment and natural resources.