F. King Alexander was approved as LSU President with a unanimous vote Wednesday morning by the Board of Supervisors.

Alexander, currently serving as the president of California State University Long Beach, was present at the meeting and greeted the Board and audience immediately following the Board’s approval.

“I am pleased and humbled by your faith and confidence in me,” Alexander said. “I look forward to building this university and building this state together.”

Alexander will assume his responsibilities as LSU president on or before July 1, 2013, although Alexander said he will begin working with administrators soon to continue developing his understanding of issues affecting the University.

Alexander said despite the challenges the University faces, he is optimistic and excited to work with the LSU community and make the University “the greatest LSU possible.”

Blake Chatelain, Presidential Search Committee chair and Board of Supervisors member, said Alexander has a deep understanding of higher education traditions but has a vision that will guide the University forward.

Wednesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting was a special meeting held, in part, to approve the Presidential Search Committee’s recommendation of Alexander as the sole nominee for the combined position of LSU president and chancellor.