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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

MONTEVALLO – Dr. Terry Roberson has been named by the University of Montevallo as its new interim president.

Roberson will serve as the university’s new interim president after being approved by the UM Board of Trustees during a special-called meeting on June 26. Roberson is the former provost and vice president for academic affairs and professor of education emeritus.

Roberson replaces Dr. John W. Stewart III, who announced his plans to retire from the role as president after nearly 15 years during a previous Board of Trustees meeting on May 5. Stewart will officially retire from the role on July 31.

Roberson was offered the role of interim president after the UM Board of Trustees selected him from a list of candidates. 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.

“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 first started his career at UM as an assistant professor of education in 1984 and has had an extensive history with the university ever since.

He previously served as UM’s interim president in 2009 during the university’s last presidential transition. He also served UM as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs from 2008 to 2013, dean of graduate studies from 2002 to 2007 and dean of the College of Education and Human Development from 1993 to 2002.

Roberson holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and English from Jacksonville State University, a master’s degree in secondary education from UM and a doctor of education degree in instructional leadership, curriculum and instruction from Auburn University.

“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.”

With Roberson named as the university’s interim president, the UM Board of Trustees is continuing its search for the next full-time president.

Further details will be released as they become available at Shelbycountyreporter.com