By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor
MONTEVALLO
– The University of Montevallo plans to offer the role of interim president to Dr. Terry Roberson after a UM Board of Trustees meeting on Friday, June 13.
Dr. John Stewart III
announced his plans
to retire from his role as president of the University of Montevallo at the previous Board of Trustees meeting on May 5. Stewart will officially retire from the role on July 31.
During the meeting on June 13, the Board of Trustees considered faculty members and executive cabinet members for the position after receiving positive recommendations from committees and faculty.
The following individuals were considered during the meeting for the position:
- Dr. Terry Roberson
- Dr. Kristalyn Lee
- Scott Dillard
- Dr. Courtney Bentley
- Dr. Tammi Dahle – at the recommendation of Stewart
Roberson’s nomination for interim president came at the recommendation of the UM Faculty Senate who delivered a letter to the Board of Trustees endorsing him for the role.
According to Faculty Senate President Dr. Andrea Eckelman, Roberson’s consideration for the role came up naturally during a Faculty Senate meeting on May 6. During the meeting, members discussed the qualities that were desired for an interim president.
The following qualities for an interim president were cited during the meeting:
- Institutional knowledge and commitment to the University of Montevallo’s liberal arts mission
- Keen understanding and appreciation for academic affairs
- Prior experience navigating institutional challenges
- Collaborative, unifying and selfless approach to leadership
- Direct, invitational and empathetic style of communication
- Proven record of responsible financial stewardship
“As we began the discussion of the qualities… we went through the names you just listed, plus one other that was under consideration at that time, and when Terry Roberson ‘s name was announced the room—quite literally—erupted in applause and cheers,” Eckelman said. “We found that very compelling that there was an individual that created that much excitement during these trying times.”
Roberson has an extensive history with the University of Montevallo. He previously served as interim president in 2009, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs from 2008 to 2013, dean of graduate studies from 2002 to 2007, dean of the College of Education from 1993 to 2002 and as an alumnus.
“Dr. Roberson is widely respected by his peers, former employees and former students for his leadership, humility, sound judgment and calming presence,” read the Faculty Senate letter penned by Eckelman. “When called to serve as acting president in 2009, Dr. Roberson helped unite a divided campus community, guiding the university through a difficult moment and setting the stage for the successful transition to the next administration. We believe Dr. Roberson would bring the same sense of stability and trust our campus needs at this time.”
After hearing from present faculty and committee representatives regarding the candidates, Todd Strange, chair of the UM Board of Trustees, held a vote to see which candidate members were interested in. The vote saw nine members vote in favor of Roberson with one in favor of Dillard.
“Everyone is entitled to their pick, and I hope that I have your acknowledgement that I’ve tried to be fair in this process,” Strange said.
During the meeting a group was formed, on behalf of the executive subcommittee of the UM board of trustees, to meet with Roberson and discuss interest, compensation and length of time for the interim president role.
