SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- SUNY ESF now has a new interim president.

David Amberg takes the position after spending 22 years with Upstate Medical University, notably as the vice president of research.

Former president Quentin Wheeler resigned after 85 percent of union members at the college voted against renewing his contract.

Amberg says he would like to focus on more transparency.

"The mission of the college was really very meaningful to me. I've often kind of looked up the hill at ESF and admired the work they do and the work the faculty does,” Amberg said.

Amberg will take the role for a year or two while a search committee works to find a permanent president.