TEMPE – The Arizona Board of Regents approved two individuals to take over two key UA positions during its meeting Friday.

Meredith Hay will serve as the executive vice president and provost beginning April 30, replacing Eugene Sander. UA President Robert Shelton selected Hay, vice president for research at the University of Iowa, on Feb. 22 after nearly a year long search.

“”The University of Arizona is clearly one of the best universities in the country,”” Hay said. “”I think, bar none, it’s probably the best land-grant university west of the Mississippi.

“”The students are great and I’m just really pleased to be here,”” she added.

Hay was one of 60 candidates chosen for the position and was overwhelmingly popular with students, faculty and staff during a Jan. 29 campus visit, Shelton said.

As second in line to Shelton, Hay will oversee six vice presidents, 16 college deans and three vice provosts.

Until she begins, Hay will provide consulting services to the UA for $10,000 per month. Her salary will be $350,000.

Hay has an extensive background in research and is currently leading a laboratory at Iowa funded by the National Institutes of Health.

The board also approved Juan Garcia as vice president for instruction and dean of the University College.

Garcia will head academic support programs such as the University Teaching Center and the Manuel T. Pacheco Integrated Learning Center. He will also be responsible for academic advising and transfer articulation.

Garcia, whom Shelton also selected Feb. 22, joined the UA faculty in 1981. He has served as a senior vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College of Saint Mary in Omaha, Neb.

“”Juan Garcia is fabulous,”” Shelton said. “”He knows the university, he’s got great experience in undergraduate education. I am thrilled he’s ready to take the job.””

Garcia’s appointment will be effective May 19. His salary will be $210,000 per year.

Garcia said the opportunity to interact more with students is very exciting.

“”I’ve been looking forward to this position for many years,”” he said.