FARMVILLE – Longwood University announced late Thursday afternoon, after The Herald went to press, that financial services executive Marge Connelly, former rector of the Longwood University Board of Visitors, on May 24 has been named by the board to serve as Longwood's top leader following the resignation of President Patrick Finnegan for health reasons earlier this month.

Connelly will serve as acting president from June 1-30, transitioning to interim president on July 1. Finnegan's resignation becomes effective June 30.

Connelly has had a successful career in the financial services industry, serving in top leadership positions for Barclaycard, Wachovia Securities and Capital One Financial Services.

She will serve in Longwood's top position during the search for the new president. Dr. Ken Perkins, Longwood's interim vice president for academic affairs, will continue as acting president through May 31.