WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels was introduced Thursday as the next president of Purdue University, quashing speculation he could be the Republican nominee for vice president.
Purdue officials announced the former White House budget director and Eli Lilly executive would be the university's 12th president after a unanimous vote by the school's board of brustees, eight of whose members were appointed by Daniels. One trustee was out of the country and did not vote.
The governor will replace France Cordova, who is stepping down in July after five years at Purdue's helm.
Daniels, 63, will take office in January once his second term as governor expires. He said his appointment ends the possibility that presumptive GOP nominee Mitt Romney might tap him as a running mate or, if elected, for a cabinet post. Daniels said he would not be involved in partisan politics after making one last out-of-state appearance this weekend.
