EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — After a national search and visits from four finalists last month, the New Mexico State University (NMSU) announced its next president in a special meeting held Thursday, Sept. 19. Community meetings with NM State president finalists this week NMSU's Board of Regents voted unanimously to select Valerio Ferme as the university's next president, according to the university. "To the presidential candidates, thank you for your interest in NMSU and for sharing your vision for our university’s future. Your participation has enriched this process immeasurably," Regents Chair Ammu Devasthali said during the meeting. "To the NMSU community, our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends in Las Cruces, throughout New Mexico, and around the world, your engagement has been inspiring. The hundreds of feedback submissions we received following the faculty/staff, student, and community forums provided invaluable insights. Your voices are a big part of the success of this process." Interim President Monica Torres will continue serving until Ferme's start date is determined at the board's future open meeting, according to NMSU. "I would like to add a very big thank you to Dr. Monica Torres for her leadership as interim president. We look forward to her continued leadership as we transition to our new administration," Devasthali said. "To the members of the Presidential Search Committee, your tireless efforts and dedication have been the cornerstone of this endeavor. Your commitment to finding the best possible leader for NMSU is truly appreciated." "Finally, a special thank you to my fellow members of the Board of Regents," Devasthali continued. "Your dedication to this thorough and collaborative process has been extraordinary. We recognize the sacrifices you have made, taking time away from your professional lives and families for many months. Your commitment to finding the right leader for NMSU is a testament to your unwavering service to our university." According to NMSU, Ferme was previously the executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of Cincinnati. Ferme joined the University of Cincinnati as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in 2019, according to NMSU. He increased sponsored awards to over $22 million annually for the University of Cincinnati while "expanding its pedagogy in the areas of experiential-based learning and co-operative education," according to NMSU. According to NMSU, Ferme has published three monographs, three edited volumes, two scholarly translations, a bilingual collection of poetry and over 60 articles and reviews. Ferme earned his undergraduate degrees in biology and religious studies at Brown University, his master's degrees in comparative literature and Italian studies from Indiana University and a Ph.D. in comparative literature from the University of California-Berkley.