The Suffolk University board of trustees unanimously approved James McCarthy as Suffolk University’s ninth president on Wednesday. McCarthy, currently provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Baruch College, City University of New York, will join the Suffolk community on Feb. 1.

McCarthy’s wide range of leadership experience thoroughly impressed the search committee. Since 2007, McCarthy has administered Baruch’s academic programs and services, managing a budget of more than $100 million. His duties have included overseeing the school of arts and sciences, business and public affairs, in addition to the College’s library and technology center and an extensive program dedicated to continuing education.

In addition to his administrative experience, McCarthy was also professor of Health Management and Policy and dean of the School of Health and Human Services at the University of New Hampshire for six years.

He served Columbia University for 13 years and John Hopkins University for four years as professor of public health and sociology, respectively. His sociology research, primarily in demography and adolescent and reproductive health, earned him recognition from The Irish Voice as one of the top 100 Irish-Americans in higher education in the United States for the past three years.

Suffolk welcomed McCarthy following a time of expanding programs, student enrollment and facilities. He is receiving praise from many of his esteemed colleagues and will enter the community with high expectations.

The presidents of both Tufts and Princeton universities believe McCarthy will be an excellent addition to Suffolk University as well as to the Boston higher education community.

“I congratulate Suffolk University most warmly on a truly excellent appointment,” said William G. Bowen, president emeritus of Princeton University in a press release sent out earlier this week. “I have a very high regard for Jim McCarthy as an academic and educational leader.”