Dear Monarch Nation:

As a caring and close campus community, we take every opportunity to celebrate our collective and individual accomplishments. In our academic and research work, those often come in the form of conference presentations, book chapters, and grant awards, just to name a few! But, one of our greatest rewards is seeing our fellow Monarchs have new experiences and expanded opportunities.

Greg DuBois, who has proudly served as Vice President for Administration and Finance for the past four years, will be leaving ¹ÏÉñÍø later this fall to accept a similar role at Florida Atlantic University. And, while we are saddened by Greg's forthcoming departure, we know that this move will provide an opportunity for him to spend more time with his beloved family members, many of which reside in Florida. While at ¹ÏÉñÍø, Greg has provided exemplary leadership in the daily operation and long-range planning of the campus and all functional areas under Administration and Finance. He was instrumental in securing additional state support for operations and facilities, which have positioned our institution for greater levels of outreach, service, and success for many years to come. He skillfully led the institution's COVID-19 planning and response efforts. Without question, our campus and this community have greatly benefited from Greg's engagement and expertise.

As such, I am pleased to announce the selection of current ¹ÏÉñÍø employee Todd Johnson to serve as Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance. He will transition to this interim position upon Greg's departure later this fall. Todd has more than 40 years of proven experience in higher education with many of those in leadership positions directly related to financial management and student support areas. He has served in his current role as ¹ÏÉñÍø's Assistant Vice President for Auxiliary Services since 2009 when he began his tenure as a Monarch. His prior experience at a myriad of institutions, such as East Carolina University; North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University; University of Maryland, College Park; and Pennsylvania State University, has prepared him to take on this important role.

In order to identify a permanent leader following Greg's departure, a national search is being launched. A search committee comprised of representatives from campus constituent groups has been formed and is being led by Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Austin Agho, Ph.D. In collaboration with WittKieffer, a highly-respected international firm, a comprehensive search will occur throughout the fall with a permanent replacement on board with the start of the Spring 2022 semester following campus visits by finalists in late November.

I ask that you join me in celebrating Greg for his many accomplishments and dedicated service, while also wishing him well in this next chapter. I also ask you to acknowledge Todd for his willingness to step forward and provide leadership. I look forward to the work of the search committee and the opportunity to welcome a permanent leader to Monarch Nation in early 2022!

With Monarch Pride,

Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
President