ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The University of Michigan has named an academic building after a former school president, the first time that a woman has been given the honor.

The Life Sciences Institute will be known as Mary Sue Coleman Hall, the university said Thursday.

“I am deeply honored and touched by this action,” said Coleman, who was president from 2002-14. “For me, helping to build the Life Sciences Institute into the research powerhouse it is today was the opportunity of a lifetime.”

Coleman’s successor as president, Mark Schlissel, said the university has some of the best academic programs in the world thanks to her leadership.