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Deneece Huftalin will serve as the eighth president of Salt Lake Community College, the Utah Board of Regents announced Thursday.
Huftalin served as interim president of the college and has worked for SLCC for more than two decades. She replaces outgoing president Cynthia Bioteau, the college's first female president.
Huftalin and two other candidates met with students, faculty and others on campus on Wednesday in advance of interviews with the board on Thursday. The regents voted unanimously to appoint her.
"With a large and diverse student population spread over multiple locations, the needs of this institution are complex and require a strong leader to be President," said Regents Chairman Dan Campbell, in a prepared statement. "I believe President Huftalin is that strong leader, and she will continue to positively shape SLCC and the Salt Lake region as a result for many years to come."
Finalists for SLCC president included Huftalin, McHenry County College Vice President Tony Miksa and Fresno City College Vice President of Student Services Christopher Villa.
SLCC's presidential search committee selected the finalists after reviewing 55 applications submitted through a nationwide search.
Salt Lake Community College graduated its largest class in its history this spring, with 4,218 students. That was about 10 percent larger than last year as students who set enrollment records starting in 2009 finished their educations.
Bioteau led the school from 2005 until last year, when she left to become president of Florida State College at Jacksonville.