A panel of Thiel College trustees today named Robert Olson as the school's interim president, effective immediately.

	Robert Olson

Dr. Olson, 68, a retired Thiel administrator and 1960 graduate of the college, assumes the duties of former president Lance A. Masters, whose departure was announced in February.

Dr. Olson retired from Thiel in 2005 as vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college. He previously was a history professor on the campus.

Meanwhile, the school of 1,200 students in Greenville, Mercer County, says a nationwide search for a permanent replacement will commence in June.