Christian Wildberg, classics professor and faculty member since 1996, was named the successor to history professor Elizabeth Lunbeck as master of Forbes College.

Wildberg will take the place of Lunbeck — who has accepted a position at Vanderbilt University — on July 1.

"I think the University is in a very interesting period of transition right now going from the two-year college system to four-year college system," Wildberg said. "This is a very important period for us. I think we have a plan ... but I don't think we have worked out all the wrinkles of the system."

Wildberg said he looked forward to helping prepare for these changes and planning a residential college "setup that is the best for students."

President Tilghman chose Wildberg, who was recommended by Dean of the College Nancy Malkiel and Dean of Undergraduate Students Kathleen Deignan.

"We, over the years, have conversations with faculty members that have the qualities that would make them good college masters," Malkiel said.

The most qualified candidates are "faculty members who are excellent undergraduate teachers," Malkiel said.

She added that engagement with the life of the University, demonstration of leadership, and interest and involvement in the residential colleges are also important characteristics considered in the selection process.

Wildberg, Malkiel said, stood out "in all of those ways."

Wildberg is in his fourth year as the director of graduate studies in the classics department and the co-chair of the Princeton University Committee for the Rhodes Scholarships.

While Wildberg said his work in each of these areas has been valuable for gaining insight into University matters, he named his service on other committees as particularly crucial to his preparation for the position of master.

"I think the two committees that have prepared me most [are] the Council of the Princeton University Community and ... the very hard working Committee on Examinations and Standing. Both of them gave me an insight into the needs and concerns of undergraduate students at Princeton."

As master of Forbes College, Wildberg will live at the master's lodge on Alexander Road.

"I'm very excited," Wildberg said. "It is very essential that the master lives in some sort of proximity to students ... if you want to set the tone [in the College]."

Malkiel said the decision to offer Wildberg the position was made earlier this fall.

"I had some time to think about it," Wildberg said Monday. "I had to think it through with my wife of course ... She's very excited about it. She looks forward to the entertaining and getting to know the students, as I do."