Despite a national search that saw it cast its net far and wide, West Chester University, in the end, didn’t have to look very far for its next president.

On Thursday afternoon, the university lifted the interim tag from president Christopher Fiorentino, officially hiring the 34-year employee of the school who had occupied the position for the last nine months.

“He’s been a distinguished and significant member of the West Chester family since he joined the faculty,” said Cynthia Shapira, the Chair of the Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, who introduced Fiorentino to a standing ovation. “The university’s mission is etched into his soul.”

Last April, Fiorentino became interim president upon the retirement of Greg Weisenstein. Fiorentino’s prior roles included vice president for external operations and dean of the college of business and public affairs. He started at West Chester in 1983 as an assistant professor of economics.

“This is a little overwhelming,” he said. “I tend to be an emotional Italian. This is a special moment for me. I can’t think of a more rewarding job than leading this institution.”

Fiorentino earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from Temple University, as well as his doctor of philosophy.

“We need to ensure that every student has the toolkit they need to be successful in a rapidly changing world,” he said. “We need to create a campus climate that is inclusive and committed to the exploration of all ideas.”

With more than 17,000 students, West Chester is the largest of 14 universities in the PASSHE.