The University of South Alabama named Gov. Kay Ivey's chief of staff as its new president.
Former U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner was chosen over two candidates with more higher education experience. He was the only candidate with no earned doctoral degree of experience in academic administration. Trustees chose him over the education dean from Florida State University and the immediate past president of the University of Texas at Tyler.
Trustee board pro tem Jimmy Shumock said in a statement that Bonner is a proven innovator, skilled administrator and influential leader in the state. Bonner served as a Congressional representative for Mobile.
