WEST FRANKFORT, Ill. — Former U.S Congressman and retired SIU president Glenn Poshard was named president of Morthland College in West Frankfort Tuesday morning. Poshard’s new role became effective Monday according to a college press release.

Poshard will take over for Dr. Tim Morthland, the founding president of the four-year, faith-based college in West Frankfort. Morthland has been named chairman of the Morthland College Board of Trustees. Morthland served as college president for seven years.

Besides being board chairman, Morthland will also become Chief Executive Officer of the college’s retail enterprises – or Guilds – that are designed to support the school and rebuild the region’s economy including Morthland College Health Services and Da Vinci Beverages.

Poshard says he is honored that the Board and Dr. Morthland have offered him this position. Poshard added that he will do everything he can to live up to the vision and mission statement of the college.

Poshard joins the college in the middle of its sixth academic year. He will lead the college as it prepares to add five new degree programs.