After four months, the University of Maryland has selected a new president. His name is Wallace Loh, and he comes from the University of Iowa. A native of Shanghai, Loh is the first Asian American president to lead the University of Maryland.

Continue reading

"I'm committed to advancing this university to its next level of excellence," stated Loh.

In a packed auditorium, students, faculty and alumni, including House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, welcomed the new school leader.

Hoyer said, "The University of Maryland is a great institution but it can, and I believe under your leadership and clearly the selection committee believed that, will be greater."

The Board of Regents conducted an extensive search for several months to replace Dan Mote, the university president for the last 12 years. After 300 applicants, and 18 interviews...school officials said they found the right person to fit the bill.

"We wanted an experienced administrator someone who could resonate with the community the university," said University System of Maryland Board of Regents Chair Clifford Kendall.

Loh has 30 years of experience in higher education and will soon leave his post as executive vice president and provost of the University of Iowa.

He credits much of his success to his life experiences. Born in Shanghai, Loh came to the United States five decades ago.

"I immigrated to this country as a teenager, with $200 in my pocket, the life savings of my parents," shared Loh.

This personal story resonated with students like David Toledo.

Toledo told us, "It definitely moves us forward, considering we've been trying to update a diversity plan. Having an Asian American, minority president really moves us to that endeavor."

It's tradition at the University of Maryland to rub Testudo's nose for good luck. The new president plans to keep the tradition alive by rubbing the Diamondback terrapin mascot's nose before he starts on November 1.