NORTON - Former Wheaton College Provost Molly Easo Smith will become president of a New York college on July 1, one year after leaving her Norton post.

The board of trustees of Manhattanville College have appointed Smith as their school's 11th president, according to the Purchase, N.Y. college's Web site.

Easo Smith had spent two years overseeing academics at Wheaton when school officials announced in June that she was leaving on July 3. Wheaton officials declined to elaborate on the reasons for her departure.

However, Manhattanville trustees said Easo Smith is on research sabbatical at Wheaton, and serves as special adviser to President Ronald Crutcher.

She made quite an impression on the Manhattanville community. "Dr. Smith's extensive academic background as a scholar, teacher, dean, provost, and college trustee in both non-denominational and Catholic institutions, combined with her strong identification with Manhattanville's mission, her international experience and outlook, and her record of visionary leadership make her a perfect match for Manhattanville's needs," the trustees said.