The University of Richmond has named its new chief academic officer.

Stephen Allred will join the university as its provost and vice president for academic affairs on July 1. He is executive associate provost and professor of public law and government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Allred was selected from dozens of candidates during a national search.

"A prize-winning teacher, author and public servant as well as a seasoned academic leader, Steve will help us sustain the momentum UR clearly enjoys," said University of Richmond President Edward L. Ayers.

Allred holds a bachelor of arts degree in political science and a master's of public administration from UNC-Chapel Hill.

After nine years in labor relations work for the Environmental Protection Agency, Defense Mapping Agency and U.S. Office of Personnel Management, he received his law degree from The Catholic University of America.

He also holds the doctor of education degree from the University of Pennsylvania.