WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - The College of William and Mary has named retiring Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor its new chancellor, a largely advisory post that has been held by other notables in the past.

O'Connor succeeds former Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger, who was appointed in 2000. He announced his resignation this summer.
"Following such former chancellors as Henry Kissinger, Margaret Thatcher and my friend Warren Burger is truly an honor that I will cherish." O'Connor said in a statement.

The chancellor serves as an adviser to President Gene R. Nichol and an advocate for the school, and meets occasionally with students and faculty.

O'Connor "was at the top of the list of those I hoped we could attract," Nichol said in a telephone interview.

O'Connor announced her retirement in July and will step down from the bench when her replacement is confirmed. On Monday, President Bush nominated White House counsel Harriet Miers for the post.

William and Mary was chartered in 1693 by King William III and Queen Mary II. George Washington was its first chancellor after the American Revolution.

Article Courtesy of the Associated Press

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