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San Jose State University Chooses New President

SAN JOSE (KCBS) – The president of California State University, East Bay is moving south, taking over the same position at San Jose State University.

Mohammad Qayoumi beat out two other finalists and will take over at San Jose State this summer.

"When I got the call, I was very excited and very thrilled to be given this great opportunity to lead a wonderful institution. An institution that has always been known for its great faculty, with a very dedicated staff and very talented students," he said.

KCBS' Mike Colgan Reports:

Qayoumi's selection came just hours after CSU officials announced that enrollment may have to be cut by 10,000 next year if proposed budget cuts go through.

"All of us know that California and the whole nation have major budget challenges," Qayoumi said. "But I'm very confident how San Jose State has had excellent leadership in terms of dealing with the financial situation in a very conservative and sound way."

The 59-year-old Qayoumi came to Cal State East Bay in 2006. He will succeed interim San Jose State University President Don Kassing, who retired in 2008, but returned on an interim basis until a permanent replacement was found.

(© 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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