Politics

Mitch Daniels named president of Purdue University

June 21, 2012 / 11:59 AM EDT / CBS/AP

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels on Thursday was officially named as the next president of Purdue University by the school's trustees in West Lafayette, Ind. AP Photo/Michael Conroy

(CBS News/AP) WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels will become the next president of Purdue University when he leaves office in January.

Purdue University officials introduced Daniels as the school's new leader Thursday following a vote by the board of trustees. In accepting the position, Daniels said, "Effective immediately, I will recuse myself from any partisan political activities or commentary."

The 63-year-old Daniels will succeed France Cordova. She is stepping down next month after five years at Purdue's helm.

Daniels has served two terms as governor and is barred by state law from seeking a third term.

The former budget director under President George W. Bush had been mentioned as a possible presidential candidate but dashed GOP hopes last year when he said he wouldn't enter the race because of family considerations. He has also been suggested as a running mate for presumptive GOP nominee Mitt Romney but said repeatedly he wasn't interested.

Caroline Horn contributed.