Pete Menjares was officially voted in as the new president of Fresno Pacific University today by the board of trustees.

“Biola has been at the center of my life and service for the past 16 years and I have been privileged to be part of this grace-filled community in the fulfillment of its mission. It will be a difficult transition, but I am very excited about the opportunity to serve as the 11th president of Fresno Pacific University and to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education in the Central Valley,” said Menjares in an official brief released from the Office of the President.

After being recommended to a presidential search committee, the FPU board voted Menjares into the position after considering three other finalists, according to a Biola UCM release, wrapping up a month of interviews after being selected as a top candidate.

Menjares served most recently as Biola’s vice provost for faculty development and academic effectiveness — a position he took on in the last year.

Previously, he served as associate provost of diversity leadership, and a professor in the School of Education.

Menjares has been key in promoting diversity on the Biola campus and will serve as the second Hispanic president of a CCCU school, according to the Biola brief.

His role as president of FPU will take effect Jul. 31 when the current president, Merrill Ewert retires.