The University of Connecticut has selected its fourth leader in the past four years. On Wednesday, UConn trustees picked interim president Dr. Radenka Maric to lead the school permanently.

The vote was unanimous after a monthslong national search involving 150 candidates, including three other sitting presidents.

"Being named president of University of Connecticut is the honor of a lifetime,” said Maric.

But the honeymoon will be short. UConn's last permanent president resigned after less than two years into the job. Tom Katsouleas left with no explanation, but emails obtained by Connecticut Public Media suggest he was pushed out over clashes with the Board of Trustees.

"We're willing and ready to move forward,” said trustee Shari Cantor. “We have chosen the right leader to do exactly that, but it's up to us to join her."

Board chair Dan Toscano pledged to bring stability back to Storrs.

"We have a lot of work to do,” he said. “So, I don't want to make light of that."

Maric will have to get UConn’s spiraling costs under control. Tuition, board and fees now add up to more than $33,000 a year. Meantime, Maric's two predecessors are still collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars in salaries – and the university must pay former basketball coach Kevin Ollie more than $15 million over his termination.

UConn also paid Parker Executive Search, an outside consultant, $200,000 to conduct the presidential search.

"Attaining a college degree has never been more expensive,” Maric told the Board of Trustees. “We must always strive to provide the highest quality education at the greatest value."

In 2020, UConn “paused” the Connecticut Commitment, Katsouleas’ plan to offer free tuition to low-income families. At the time, he said UConn couldn’t afford the program amid unpredictable enrollment and the rising costs of COVID.

"Pausing the program is the most difficult and painful decision I've had to make since arriving here,” he said at the time. “While unfortunate, I believe that this is a prudent and necessary choice to make at this time."

Students said they support Maric's choice.

"We have found someone who will sit with students and hear their stories,” said student trustee Damani Douglas.