Riverland Community College President Terry Leas accepted a job this week as president of Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake, Wash.

The Big Bend Community College Board of Directors voted Monday to offer the presidency to Leas, who was one of three finalists. Leas is out of the office this week and could not be immediately reached for comment. Big Bend is expected to formally announce Leas as president Thursday. Leas is expected to start by Sept. 1.

Leas previously worked as a dean at Yakima Valley Community College in Washington, as well as an administrator at Thomas College in Georgia.

Under Minnesota State Colleges and Universities policy, new presidents are appointed by the MnSCU board of regents based on the recommendation of the MnSCU Chancellor.

Riverland executive vice president Dr. Ron Langrell accepted a position as president of Bates Technical College in Tacoma, Wash. last week.