Washington State University's Board of Regents announced on Thursday that it has appointed Elizabeth R. Cantwell as the next university president.

Dr. Elizabeth R. Cantwell has been named WSU's 12th president, making her the first woman to hold the position in the university's 135-year history.

Washington State University’s Board of Regents named a new president Thursday who will take over in April as the school’s first female president, ushering in a “new era,” according to a news release.