The University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy named its new dean, Lynda Welage, on Wednesday.

If approved by the Board of Regents in March, Welage will assume her role on July 31, according to a news release from the college.

Welage held the same role at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque since 2011. Before that, she worked as a professor at the University of Michigan.

Welage will take over the spot from Marilyn Speedie, who has served as dean since 1996.

“Dr. Welage is an outstanding choice to lead the College of Pharmacy,” Speedie said in a statement. “Her tremendous accomplishments and experience make her the ideal person to build upon our college’s legacy of leadership.”

The pharmacy school is ranked No. 2 in its field as of last spring, according to U.S News’ list of best graduate schools.

“We are confident that her leadership experience, research accomplishments, and collaborative working style will advance the excellence of the College of Pharmacy–building on the exceptional leadership of Marilyn Speedie,” Karen Hanson, executive vice president and provost, said in a statement.