PLATTSBURGH -- It took two offers, but this time Plattsburgh State has a new provost.

Dr. Jay Stein, who was unanimously recommended by the Search Committee, starts July 1. He is founding director for the Center for Health and the Built Environment, College of Design, Construction and Planning at the University of Florida.

Stein replaces Dr. Robert Golden, a highly respected Plattsburgh State administrator who is retiring and returning to the classroom part time.

"We are incredibly pleased that Jay has agreed to serve as our next provost," said Plattsburgh State President Dr. John Ettling. "He brings a wealth of talent not only in his field of study but most importantly as a leader in academia."

Stein is eager to tackle his new role.

"In my visits to Plattsburgh, I have met many outstanding faculty, staff and students," he said. "Indeed, my major reason for accepting the position is the quality of the people in the community and the opportunity to work with President John Ettling. I think we can be a very effective team in enhancing the quality of an already first-rate college."

His wife, Rhonda Phillips, will join Plattsburgh State's faculty as a visiting professor for one year in the Department of Hotel, Tourism and Restaurant Management.

Ettling hopes that from that appointment something more permanent will develop for her.

"She's sharp," he said.

Golden retires in June, though he is returning to the classroom as a part-time faculty member at Plattsburgh State's Adirondack Community College branch campus in Queensbury.

About 80 people applied for the No. 2 position at Plattsburgh State, with 10 chosen as finalists and then four as semi-finalists.

The Search Committee interviewed candidates in March and initially recommended Dr. William McKinney for the position. But the dean of the College of Humanities and Performing Arts at Slippery Rock University declined the offer due to personal reasons.

So the search continued. Plattsburgh State officials said then that they were confident they would find a new provost within a "strong and deep" candidate pool.

"In our meetings with Jay, he left a positive impression on our campus, and we are excited to work with him," Ettling said.

College officials refused to share details of Stein's contract.