Christopher L. Eisgruber, Princeton's provost has been named the university's 20th president, Sunday. He will succeed Shirley M. Tilghman who served as the university's president for 12 years.

Kathryn Hall, who led the 17-member search committee, said that Eisgruber has all the qualities required in Princeton's next president.

Hall said that he is intelligent, passionate about teaching, has excellent judgment making and high quality research skills and is committed to principles of excellence, equity and integrity.

"This university has shaped my life ever since I set foot on this campus as a freshman 34 years ago," Eisgruber said. "And that time as a student and then as an alumnus and then as a faculty member has given me a heartfelt appreciation for Princeton's very special strength."

Eisgruber, who will resume his new responsibility starting July 1, hopes to continue varied administrative initiatives currently in progress and to frequently communicate with the campus and alumni community soon after his term as president begins.

Eisgruber, 51, is a 1983 graduate in physics at Princeton, and former Rhodes Scholar. He earned his law degree at the University of Chicago.

Prior to starting his career with Princeton as a professor in 2001 and as provost since 2004, he worked as a clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens and taught at New York University Law School.

The university, comprising of 7,500 students, features $17 billion endowment and is credited with offering one of the most generous student financial aid systems in the country.