Dr. Niels-Erik Andreasen will remain as president of Andrews University, the school’s board of trustees announced Mar. 30. In addition, the trustees created a position of provost, equivalent to a chief operating officer for a business, and a search for that position will begin.

“With the two actions of today, the Board believes that the revised administrative structure will assist in achieving the mission and financial goals of Andrews University and will permit the President more time to focus on the global role of Andrews University and its relationship to its external constituencies,” a university statement said. “We believe that this revised administrative structure will be a critical contribution to the institution’s success in the future.”

Andreasen indicated he was pleased with the outcome.

“It’s an honor to be able to continue to serve Andrews University at a time of transition and new directions. I’m pleased, in particular, to be part of a process that will help create a new Andrews for a new century - a process that will rely on the creativity, passion and strength of our teachers, staff, students and friends as we prepare to set forth towards a new and bold future,” he said in the statement issued by the school.

The moves cap nearly a month of activity at Andrews, where Andreasen had initially offered his immediate resignation on Mar. 6, which was accepted with regret by the board. He was then asked to continue through June 30, and agreed. The latest move means that Andreasen will remain as president, a job he has held for 12 years.

In other actions, the university trustees approved several items including the 2006-2007 fiscal year budget and related employee benefits; employee appointments and transitions; and the appointment of a new board committee-The President’s Advisory Council for Institutional Development—to guide the current advancement campaign of the university. There was also a review of board subcommittee activities.

Andrews University is the first college and University founded by the Seventh-day Adventist church, and is an institution of the church’s world headquarters. Originally established in 1874 in Battle Creek, Mich., the university has operated in Berrien Springs, Mich., since 1901. Currently, the university is enjoying its third highest enrollment in history with more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students.  Its international student population makes Andrews the sixth most internationally diverse national university.