The University of Chicago has picked Paul Alivisatos to be its next president.
Alivisatos, 61, is leaving his position as executive vice chancellor and provost at the University of California, Berkeley and will take over Sept. 1, the university announced Friday.
Alivisatos was born in Chicago before moving to Greece with his family as a child.
Alivisatos received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1981 from the University of Chicago and will be only the second alum to serve as president in the school’s 130-year history.
“He has the vision to further elevate the university’s eminence, uphold its rich traditions and enduring values, and make an impact on higher education and the lives of university students, faculty and staff, as well as enrich the South Side community,” Joseph Neubauer, chair of the university’s board of trustees, said in a statement issued by the school.