LEE - Todd Leach, president of Granite State College since July 1, 2010, is being recommended by the University System of New Hampshire's executive committee to serve as interim chancellor. The committee is conducting a search for a successor to Chancellor Edward MacKay, who retires March 1.

The full board will take up the recommendation at its February meeting. Leach, now president of one of the four colleges of the USNH, would fill the two roles pending selection of a permanent chancellor.

"I believe very much in the mission of public higher education and am honored, pending approval of the Board of Trustees, to serve the system as interim chancellor," Leach said. "I look forward to working with the board and the USNH leadership team in continuing to improve efficiencies and further higher educational opportunities for New Hampshire residents."

Leach has not submitted his name as a candidate for the permanent chancellor position. The search process is under way and is expected to be completed this summer. Leach has agreed to serve as interim chancellor until Aug. 31, or the completion of the search.

Leach, who previously served as the senior associate dean and chief academic officer at Northeastern University's College of Professional Studies, developed the first master's degree programs and created the Office of Graduate Studies at Granite State College.

He said: "I was drawn to Granite State College because of the mission of educating people already in the workforce. As a leader in online education, Granite State College has grown 20 percent over the past two years. Ninety percent of our students are working adults and we hope to continue to increase educational opportunities for Granite Staters."