Washburn University announced Thursday, June 2 that it has selected a candidate to fill the role of vice president for student life.

Eric Grospitch, a Kansas native, will assume the role July 1, taking over for Denise Ottinger, who retires from the position at the end of June, according to a news release.

“Denise Ottinger helped us reestablish a vibrant student life program on campus and I know that Eric Grospitch is the right person to build on that legacy,” Washburn President Jerry Farley said in the release. “We are at another critical juncture in the development of our campus with the addition of the new 350 bed Lincoln Hall. We have seen a tremendous growth in demand for on-campus housing and with it the further need to develop our on-campus activities and programs.”

Grospitch comes from the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he serves as assistant vice chancellor and dean of students. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Fort Hays State University and his doctorate from the University of Kansas, the release said.