AUSTIN — Riverland Community College President Terry Leas accepted a job as president of Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake, Wash.

The Big Bend Community College Board of Directors voted Monday to offer the presidency to Leas, who was one of three finalists. Leas is out of the office this week and could not be immediately reached for comment.

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

He earned his bachelor’s degree in social science education and his doctorate in higher education administration from Florida State University. He earned his master’s in educational administration and supervision from Valdosta State College.

Leas was one of three finalists. He vied for the job with Anne Temte, president of Northland Community College in Minnesota, and Denise Yochum, president of Pierce College Fort Steilacoom in Lakewood, Wash.

He could not be reached for comment this morning.

Earlier this month, Riverland Vice President Ron Langrell was named the new president at Bates Technical College in Tacoma, Wash.

Langrell has more than 30 years experience in higher education and has previously worked at Walla Walla Community College and College of Southern Idaho.