HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — A coal mining executive with strong ties to Marshall University was named as interim president of the university Monday.

Gary G. White was named interim president during an emergency meeting of the university’s Board of Governors in the Memorial Student Center on campus.

White’s appointment to the interim presidency was contingent on approval from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, which will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, to address the matter, HEPC Chancellor Paul Hill said Monday.

“I’m gratified and humbled the board of governors has asked me to serve in this important interim role,” White said in a press release issued by the university. “I look forward to working with members of the board, the faculty and the staff to keep our university moving ahead and focused on students.”

White, a native of Logan, West Virginia, was appointed to the position 12 days after Marshall President Stephen J. Kopp died following a heart attack on Dec. 17. He was 63.

If approved by the HEPC, White will take the presidential reigns of the university on Thursday, Jan. 1…