Fayetteville, N.C. — Methodist University has named Ben Hancock Jr. as its fourth president.

Hancock, who will start at the university in March, succeeds Melvin Elton Hendricks, who retired in July after 27 years in charge of the four-year liberal arts school.

“We feel that Dr. Hancock is a strong strategic planner who has a passion for the educational experience that a private, co-educational liberal arts university can offer,” Harvey Wright II, chairman of Methodist's Board of Trustees, said in a statement.

Hancock has served as vice-president for university advancement at Ball State University, in Muncie, Ind., for the last four years. During that time, he oversaw alumni and fundraising programs and led a $200 million capital campaign.

He previously served as vice president for institutional advancement at Albion College in Michigan and executive director of the Boise State University Foundation in Idaho.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to lead the institution during an unprecedented period of growth in enrollment and expanding impact on the state of North Carolina and beyond,” Hancock said in a statement about his move to Methodist.

Hancock has a bachelor's degree in Russian studies and a master’s degree in education from James Madison University and a doctorate in comparative and international education from the University of Virginia.