DUDLEY, Mass. — A new leader will take charge at Nichols College this week as William Piecynski is set to take over as the college's ninth president.

No stranger to the Dudley campus, Piecynski joined the college as a director of the Nichols Fund in 2006. From there, he was named vice president for advancement in 2010 and most recently, he's been serving as interim president the last seven months after Glenn Sulmasy resigned following allegations of misconduct while he was at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

Pieczynski said the goal moving forward is to continue the college's commitment of transforming students into future leaders by offering hands-on experiences.

“I wake up every morning trying to better deliver our education and that's how I’m going to be waking up every day while I’m sitting in this office,” he said. “There’s just so much opportunity I think, but we recognize that we have to stay current and relevant, so going forward that’s going to continue being our mission. Adapt and make sure we are a school of choice for students who really want to pursue a career in business or criminal justice. And there’s so many other programs, but that is going to be our goal every day.” 

Pieczynski said enrollment will be one of his top priorities as well. His new title goes into effect Wednesday.