CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. - An economist from a California college will take over in July as president of Wabash College in western Indiana.

Officials announced Saturday that Gregory D. Hess has been elected the 16th president of the private, all-male liberal arts college in Crawfordsville.

"I am honored and privileged to lead an institution that transforms gentlemen into every day heroes," said Hess upon accepting the position.

Hess is currently the Dean of the Faculty and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, Calif. He will succeed Patrick E. White, who announced his resignation last May.

Hess is an economics professor and oversees academics, curriculum, athletics and other areas at Claremont.

"Promoting and identifying Wabash College's distinctiveness as a 21st century liberal arts college for men is a critical element for the new president to articulate," Dr. Hess said. "A Wabash education must be made synonymous with the superb preparation of men to be the next generation of ethical and responsible leaders who will address the key challenges facing our county and their communities.

A native of San Francisco, Hess has held teaching positions at Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Kansas, St. John's College (Cambridge), the University of Cambridge, London Business School, and Oberlin College.