The Texas A&M Board of Regents has approved retired Marine Lieutenant General Joseph Weber as the new vice president for student affairs at the College Station campus.

Weber, who recently retired after 36 years of military service, is a Texas A&M grad. He last served as the commander of Marine Forces Command, where more than 70,000 Marines answered to him.

Shortly after News 3 reported Weber was a top candidate for the position, A&M President Elsa Murano announced her recommendation of Weber for the job.

"He believes in teamwork and in the leadership that comes from serving side by side with others," Murano said in a statement Thursday. "Given the outstanding group of professionals in our Division of Student Affairs, I have no doubt he has a team that can help support him with direct experience in this field that will complement his own.

"In fact, Joe’s background in fiscal management and strategic planning should bring a new perspective to Student Affairs that can provide innovative approaches to enhancing the functions of the Division to the benefit of our students," she continued.

Since the recommendation, a number of students have voiced displeasure with the selection process, saying a proper search was not conducted. Students voiced their concerns prior to the regents' decision Friday.

Dean Bresciani, the former vice president for student affairs, resigned his post in June. An internal e-mail from A&M stated Bresciani was asked to resign by university leadership. He had been with A&M for four years.