ANCHORAGE — The University of Alaska Board of Regents has named a new university president after a monthslong search for the right candidate.

The Alaska Dispatch News reports  the university announced Tuesday that Jim Johnsen would replace retiring University of Alaska President Pat Gamble. Johnsen, who serves as senior vice president of Alaska Communications, will take over as president on Sept. 1.

Johnsen was selected as the sole candidate for the university’s top position in June. The board spent a month meeting with various groups across the state as they accepted public comment on Johnsen. 

Earlier this month, Johnsen said he would focus on strengthening existing programs at the university.

UA said in a release that Johnsen’s five-year contract will earn him an annual salary of $325,000.