Riverland Community College President Terry Leas said moving to Washington state will allow him to be closer to his family.

He accepted a job this week as president of Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake, Wash. He was not available for comment in time for a Thursday story about his departure, but he was reached Thursday evening.

“It was a very personal decision,” he said. “I am honored to be asked to lead an institution that, like Riverland, takes tremendous pride in its service to others and champions its excellence in teaching and learning. I am deeply proud of the work we have accomplished at Riverland on behalf of the students and communities we serve.”

Leas previously worked as a dean at Yakima Valley Community College in Washington, as well as an administrator at Thomas College in Georgia.