Jim Malatras, a longtime advisor and former aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, on Friday was named the next chancellor of the state's 64-campus public college and university system. 

Malatras is taking over the role from Kristina Johnson, who left in June to become the leader of the Ohio State University system. 

The State University of New York is facing a myriad set of challenges as campuses reopen and classes begin amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

There has been crticisim in the lead-up to Malatras's expected appointment by the SUNY Board of Trustees to the post, including his deep ties to Cuomo. The union that represents faculty at SUNY schools has criticized the search process.  

The public higher education system is turning to Malatras, who served as Cuomo's state operations director and later become the head of the Rockefeller Instittue of Government, a public think tank.  

He's previously served as a vice chancellor for the SUNY system and worked in Cuomo's attorney general office.

Malatras is currently the president of SUNY Empire State College. Malatras has also been an unofficial advisor to Cuomo during the pandemic, often sitting in on the governor's public briefings.

The chancellor position brings with it a $450,000 annual salary.