Stanford's board of trustees yesterday appointed current provost and renowned computer scientist John L. Hennessy as the university's 10th president.

Hennessy will succeed Gerhard Casper on Sept. 1. Casper, who has held the presidency since 1992, announced last September that he would step down at the end of this August.

Hennessy has served as Stanford's provost since last June. Prior to that, he spent three years as dean of the school of engineering. He has taught at Stanford for 23 years.

In a press release, Hennessy said that he looks forward to working with the school's community of faculty, staff, alumni and friends.

"While Stanford certainly faces challenges, our future is primarily about opportunities," Hennessy said.

"These opportunities include building on the revolution we have accomplished in the undergraduate program...and expanding our excellence in science and engineering," he added.

Hennessy also said he hopes to build on the university's recent successes in the arts and humanities.

Robert M. Bass, chair of Stanford's board of trustees, said Hennessy is the "right person for the right time in Stanford's history.