Cullman native Finis “Fess” St. John IV, has been named the new chancellor of The University of Alabama System, a position he has held on an interim basis since last year, according to reports by al.com.

St. John accepted the permanent position on Friday at the University Board of Trustees meeting at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

St. John, a Cullman attorney, has served as a trustee since 2002, including three terms as board president pro tem (2008-11), al.com reported.

Trustee Karen Brooks led the search for the new chancellor.

“The board continued to return to one name, one individual we compared other potential candidates to,” she said. “It became abundantly clear and unanimous opinion that interim chancellor Fess St. John was the most qualified to serve as chancellor of UA System.”