College Presidents Report February-March 2025
Appalachian State University Names Chancellor
Dr. Heather Hulbert Norris has been selected to serve as Chancellor of Appalachian State University. She has served as Interim Chancellor since April 2024 when President Sheri Everts resigned. Norris previously served as Provost for the university.
Bluffton University Names Interim President
Dr. Alex Sider has been selected to serve as Interim President of Bluffton University. He succeeds President Jane Wood who resigned in February. Sider most recently served as Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs for the university.
College of Coastal Georgia Names President
Dr. Johnny L. Evans Jr. has been selected to serve as President of the College of Coastal Georgia after serving as Interim President since June. He succeeds President Michelle R. Johnston who stepped down to accept the position of President of Georgia Southwestern State University. Evans most recently served as Provost for the university.
Colorado State University Pueblo Names Interim President
Mr. Rico Munn JD has been selected to serve as Interim President of Colorado State University Pueblo. He succeeds President Armando Valdez who resigned in January. Munn is the former Superintendent of Aurora Public Schools.
Columbia University Names Acting President
Ms. Claire Shipman has been selected to serve as Acting President of Columbia University. She assumes the position after Interim President Katrina Armstrong stepped down after almost 7 months on the job. Shipman serves as Co-Chair on the university’s Board of Trustees.
Cornell University Announces 15th President
Dr. Michael Kotlikoff has been selected to serve as President of Cornell University. He has been serving as Interim President since July 2024 when President Martha Pollock resigned. Kotlikoff previously served as Provost for the university for 9 years.
Denver Seminary Appoints 8th President
Dr. Mark Husbands has been selected to serve as President of Denver Seminary. He takes over the role from President Mark Young who retired in December. Husbands most recently served as President Trinity Western University and Seminary.
Elgin Community College Appoints First Female President
Ms. Penny Heinrich has been selected to serve as President of Elgin Community College. She has been serving as Interim President since July when President David Sam stepped down after 17 years. Prior, Heinrich served as Vice President of Teaching, Learning and Student Development for 8 years.
Emory and Henry University Appoints President
Dr. Louise “Lou” Fincher has been selected to serve as President of Emory and Henry University. She has been serving as Interim President since July when President John Wells stepped down after 7 years. Prior, Fincher served as Senior Vice President and Founding Dean for School for Health Science for the university.
Frostburg State University President Dies–Interim President Appointed
Dr. Darlene Brannigan Smith has been selected to serve as Interim President of Frostburg State University in the wake of the death of President Ronald Nowaczyk. Nowaszyk announced in January he would be stepping down due to health issues and died on his last day in the position. Smith is the former Provost at University of Baltimore.
Oklahoma State University Appoints Interim President
Dr. Jim Hess has been selected to serve as Interim President of Oklahoma State University. He takes over the role from President Kayse Shrum following her sudden resignation. Hess most recently served as Vice Provost at OSU Center for Health Sciences.
University of Alabama Systems Office Names Chancellor
Mr. Sid J. Trant JD has been named as Chancellor of the University of Alabama Systems. He has served as Interim President since Finis St. John IV stepped down last year to accept the position of Executive Director of Shelby Institute of Policy and Leadership. Previously, Trant served as UA System’s General Counsel.
University of Nevada Las Vegas Names Officer in Charge
Dr. Chris Heavey has been selected to serve as Officer in Charge of the University of Nevada Las Vegas until a temporary or permanent President is selected. He takes over the role from President Keith Whitfield who resigned suddenly in February. Heavey serves as Executive Vice President and Provost for the university.
University of Texas at Austin Names Interim President
Mr. James Davis has been named as Interim President of the University of Texas at Austin. He takes over from President Jay Hartzell who stepped down to accept the role of President at Southern Methodist University. Davis most recently served the university as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
Utah State University Selects Interim President
Utah State University has named Dr. Alan L. Smith to serve as Interim President. He steps into the position after President Elizabeth Cantwell left to accept the presidency at Washington State University. Smith has served the university as Dean of Education and Human Services since 2021.