Col. David Mollahan is the new president of Marion Military Institute.

He’ll officially take office Aug. 1.

The Alabama State Board of Education approved the recommendation of interim Chancellor Joan Davis following a nationwide presidential search which garnered 49 applicants.

“Col. Mollahan’s passion for education and commitment to excellence made him the perfect choice as president of MMI,” said Davis. “We are very excited to have someone with his knowledge and experience joining our system. I am certain that he will provide excellent leadership.”

A career Marine, Mollahan most recently served as director of the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences and senior Marine Corps representative at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. Prior to that, he served as commanding officer for Marine Aircraft Group 26 during combat operations in Iraq and operations and training in New River, N.C. His career has spanned more than 30 years.

Mollahan holds a master’s degree in Military Studies from Marine Corps University Command and Staff College in Decatur, Ga., and a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering Technology from Oregon State University in Corvallis, Ore. He also received additional training at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Joint Forces Staff College.

“I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to be a part of the great legacy and proud tradition that defines Marion Military Institute,” stated Mollahan.

“Its reputation for excellence in higher education, both in terms of academics and leadership development, is well-known. My wife, Ingrid, and I are very excited, and are looking forward to becoming part of the Marion family and community.”