ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – Ithaca College Professor of History Pearl Ponce has been named director of the George W. Bush Presidential Library in Dallas.

United States archivist Colleen Shogan says Ponce, who also chairs IC’s history department, will be an excellent steward and a strong voice for research and public engagement. Ponce is excited for the opportunity, though she notes she will miss her students and colleagues in Ithaca. Ithaca College Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Melanie Stein says Ponce is well-suited for the position.

“She is a respected scholar of American history with a deep understanding of the mission of presidential libraries and of the critical need to preserve archival material and make it accessible,” said Stein. “She is a skilled speaker and has a great deal of experience, both as a professor and as a community member, explaining why it is so important for us to understand our history.”

Ponce’s appointment begins on June 2.