Jeffrey Docking, an East Lansing native and MSU alumnus who has spent the last eight years at Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Pa., is returning to Michigan in July when he becomes Adrian College's 17th president.

"I was obviously elated," Docking said. "I felt like it was a good fit, given my experience and background. I felt like the community at Adrian both on and off campus were very gracious."

The Adrian College Board of Trustees selected Docking as the next president on Saturday.

At Washington & Jefferson, Docking is assistant to the president.

"I feel like my skills, my experience, and my training uniquely qualify me to meet the current needs at Adrian College," he said. "My Michigan State experience was such a positive educational experience that it really planted the seeds for me to want to spend my life in higher education."