WAVERLY - William Hamm is coming home to Wartburg College.

Hamm, a 1966 Wartburg graduate, was elected interim president today by the college Board of Regents. He is formerly the president of Waldorf College in Forest City and is completing a nine-year tenure as president of the Foundation for Independent Higher Education in Washington, D.C. He had earlier announced his intention to retire.

At Wartburg, he was student body president. He began his professional career as an admissions office counselor and was on the steering committee of Commission Wartburg, which established the blueprint for the college's development during the past decade.

Hamm, who is scheduled to start July 1, will succeed Jack R. Ohle, who becomes president of Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn., July 1 after leading Wartburg since 1998.

Gustavus Adolphus and Wartburg both are affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

"We are very pleased and fortunate to welcome Bill Hamm home to Wartburg to guide us through this period of transition," said Fred W. Hagemann, chairman of the Board of Regents. "Not only is he an alumnus with a great love for this institution, but he is nationally respected in higher education with an extensive administrative background."

Hagemann added that the board developed initial procedures Friday in its quest to fill the position permanently, including the establishment of a search committee. Hamm said he won't be a candidate.

In a letter to the Wartburg community, Hamm stated he is excited about returning to his alma mater.

"Everyone who knows me will confirm that I 'bleed orange,'" he wrote. "Being an alumnus surely colors the prism through which I view Wartburg. Even so, I firmly believe this is an exceptional college. My positive perceptions of Wartburg have only increased as I have assumed various responsibilities in other parts of the nation."

Hamm praised Ohle's contributions and the continuing efforts of the regents and the college community.

"Wartburg will carry a lasting imprint from President Jack Ohle's bold vision and many achievements," Hamm said. "Because of the leadership of a strong board, and gifted faculty and staff, we can build on the momentum of the Ohle years during this year of transition. We'll also count on the support of the college's students, alumni and many friends."