Currently, Biancamano serves as Ohio University's interim director of legal affairs part time. In February, he replaced longtime Director of Legal Affairs John Burns, who retired Jan. 1.

"After conducting a national search to fill the position and interviewing three finalists, it became clear that John was the most qualified candidate for the position," McDavis said. "John has performed quite well and provides excellent leadership in his interim role."

As general counsel, Biancamano will continue to manage the day-to-day operations of the university's Office of Legal Affairs, which has a staff of seven, including three attorneys. He is a member of the president's executive leadership team and, as required by Ohio law, will report jointly to the president and the attorney general.

He will provide legal advice to the Board of Trustees, president, faculty and staff, and Ohio University Foundation, and will coordinate the university's legal representation with the attorney general's office and state-appointed law firms.

"Public universities are facing many changes in the years ahead, and our legal and financial problems are becoming more complex," Biancamano said. "I look forward to working with President McDavis and his team to help the university to adapt to these changes and to implement the Vision Ohio strategic plan."

The new appointment ends Biancamano's 16-year stint at Ohio State University, where he served in many capacities, most recently as counsel to the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. He has split his time between the two universities since February.

"John Biancamano is an outstanding lawyer," Rogers said. "He has sound judgment, superb problem-solving skills, a strong dedication to higher education, and extensive experience both in public lawyering and the legal issues facing universities."

Before joining OSU, Biancamano served as first assistant attorney general under Attorney General Anthony J. Celebrezze Jr. He holds a bachelor's degree in music history from Yale University and a law degree from the University of Notre Dame.

Vice President for Finance and Administration Bill Decatur chaired the committee that led the search.

Biancamano and his wife, Ann, have two adult children.