(AP) -- GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) - Furman University's new president has been officially installed in the post he took over nearly four months ago.
The Greenville News reported that Rod Alan Smolla (SMOH'-lah) was hailed as a "rock star" by the school's alumni association as he was sworn in Friday as Furman's 11th president.
A legal expert and author, Smolla says he wants Furman students to learn how to live a life that makes a difference in the world. Smolla takes over for David Shi (shy), who retired at the end of June after 16 years leading the university.
A native of Chicago, Smolla earned his undergraduate degree form Yale and his law degree from Duke University. He was dean of law schools at the University of Richmond and at Washington and Lee before coming to Furman.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
