UDC names James Earl Lyons named interim president

James Earl Lyons, a former Maryland Higher Education Commission secretary who was president of Bowie State University from 1983-1992, was named interim president of the University of the District of Columbia, the Washington Business Journal reported.

Lyons will "will lead the University's efforts to chart a new vision and strategic direction," UDC said in a statement. The university dismissed Allen Sessoms as president in December.