By Managing Editor Noah Worton
MONTEVALLOThe University of Montevallo has appointed Dr. Terry Roberson as its new acting president.
Following approval by the UM Board of Trustees at a special meeting on June 26, Roberson will take over as the university’s new interim president. Roberson is an emeritus professor of education, former provost, and vice president for academic affairs.
Roberson succeeds Dr. John W. Stewart III, who at a prior May 5 Board of Trustees meeting announced his intention to step down as president after over 15 years in office. On July 31, Stewart will formally step down from the position.
The UM Board of Trustees chose Roberson from a list of applicants and gave him the position of interim president. The UM Faculty Senate recommended Roberson for the position of temporary president and sent a letter to the Board of Trustees supporting it.
Roberson’s consideration for the position inevitably arose during a Faculty Senate meeting on May 6, according to Faculty Senate President Dr. Andrea Eckelman. Members talked about what they wanted in an interim president throughout the meeting.
The audience literally burst into cheers and applause when Terry Roberson’s name was mentioned, according to Eckelman, who added, “We went through the names you just listed plus one other that was under consideration at that time as we began the discussion of the qualities.” The fact that there was a person who generated so much excitement during these difficult times convinced us.
In 1984, Roberson began his career at UM as an assistant professor of education, and he has had a long association with the university.
In 2009, during the university’s most recent presidential change, he was UM’s acting president. In addition, he was UM’s dean of graduate studies from 2002 to 2007; dean of the College of Education and Human Development from 1993 to 2002; and provost and vice president for Academic Affairs from 2008 to 2013.
Roberson graduated from Jacksonville State University with a bachelor’s degree in biology and English, UM with a master’s degree in secondary education, and Auburn University with a doctorate in education with a focus on curriculum, instruction, and instructional leadership.
According to the Faculty Senate letter written by Eckelman, Dr. Roberson is highly regarded by his colleagues, former staff, and former students for his leadership, humility, good judgment, and soothing demeanor. As interim president in 2009, Dr. Roberson guided the university through a challenging time and helped bring the divided campus community together, paving the way for a smooth transfer to the next administration. We think Dr. Roberson would provide the same level of security and confidence that our campus is currently lacking.
The UM Board of Trustees is still looking for the next full-time president after Roberson was appointed as the institution’s acting president.
Additional information will be posted at Shelbycountyreporter.com as it becomes available.
