A veteran in higher education has been selected to lead Owens Community College during a time of great transition.

Larry McDougle, former president of Northwest State Community College in Archbold, officially will take over as interim president Jan. 1, the last day for outgoing president Christa Adams.

He was on campus several hours yesterday and plans to spend more time there during winter break so he can hit the ground running.

"I haven't stopped working since I got here," he said. "It's extremely energizing."

Mr. McDougle, 68, of Napoleon, will be paid $20,000 per month to lead Owens as it conducts a national search for a permanent replacement for Ms. Adams