LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — Robert Sternberg is a first-generation high school and college graduate.

The 63-year-old Sternberg was hired earlier this month as the University of Wyoming's 24th president.

He is provost and senior vice president at Oklahoma State University. Starting July 1, he takes over for retiring UW President Tom Buchanan.

Sternberg says his past has shaped his interest in helping students better prepare for and succeed in college.

He tells the Associated Press that college made him who he is and he believes UW can and does the same for its students.

Sternberg says he hopes his stay at UW extends beyond the initial three-year contract terms. In fact, he hopes to remain president for 10 to 12 years and stay in Wyoming after he retires.

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