The College of William and Mary has a not-so-new president in W. Taylor Reveley III, the current interim president and longtime dean of the law school, college officials announced today. Mr. Reveley took over on an interim basis in February, after the emotionally charged departure of Gene R. Nichol.

“The challenges that the college are facing need immediate attention from a strong, committed leader,” said Michael K. Powell, who leads the college’s governing board, in a written statement. “Moreover, in our judgment the college would benefit from an extended period of stability.”

College officials praised Mr. Reveley as a popular leader who has worked quickly to improve private fund raising and build ties with students, faculty and staff members, and state lawmakers. —Paul Fain