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William J. Frawley, dean of the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences at George Washington University, has been selected as the new president of the University of Mary Washington, the school announced this afternoon.

Frawley will succeed William M. Anderson Jr., who has served as president of the institution since 1983.

"It is a great honor to be entrusted with the leadership of this fine institution," Frawley said in a prepared statement.

"I am very fortunate to become part of its century of tradition and especially to be able work with UMW's accomplished faculty, students and staff, the engaged and helpful community of Fredericksburg and the region, and UMW's thoughtful and dedicated Board of Visitors. Together we will move forward into Mary Washington's next century of excellence." Frawley was one of three finalists to visit UMW recently.

For more on this story, read Saturday's Free Lance-star.