ATHENS – Dr. Catherine Wehlburg has been named interim president of Athens State University, the Board of Trustees announced.

Wehlburg was provost and vice president for academic affairs and was named acting president when Dr. Philip Way resigned Dec. 31.

With her appointment, Wehlburg will take a more active role in steering the university into the future, according to State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur).

“Dr. Wehlburg’s ongoing service at Athens State, along with her vast experience in higher education, makes her an excellent fit to continue the university momentum during this time of transition,” said Orr, chair of the school’s Board of Trustees. “We are confident Dr. Wehlburg’s leadership will be valuable to the university and the local community during this time, and are excited for the future of the institution.”

Wehlburg received her bachelor’s in psychology and her master’s and Ph.D. in educational psychology from the University of Florida.

Dr. Lee Vartanian, dean of the College of Education, has been named interim provost and vice president for academic affairs.