PHILIPPI, W.Va. – The Alderson Broaddus University Board of Trustees announced Wednesday that James “Tim” Barry, Ed.D. will serve as interim president until a new president is selected. Dr. Barry will be on campus beginning Monday, December 7 to begin introducing and orienting himself to AB and the community; he will officially take office on December 22 and will serve a minimum of one year.
Dr. Barry has spent the last 44 years in higher education administration and is currently completing an assignment with The Registry of College and University Presidents as interim vice president of advancement at Elmira College in Elmira, N.Y.
In announcing his appointment, Ron Burbick, chairman of the AB Board of Trustees, noted Dr. Barry’s experience as an executive-level administrator.
“We appreciate Dr. Barry’s willingness to serve Alderson Broaddus University as its interim president,” said Burbick. “He will provide what is needed as we move forward and we have complete confidence in his ability to provide quality, dependable leadership to the University during this transitional period.”
Barry began his higher education administration pursuit in admissions at Briar Cliff College, Sioux City. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Briar Cliff University; and both a Master and Doctor of Education in Adult Continuing Education from Northern Illinois University. Barry’s appointment comes on the heels of Dr. Richard A. Creehan’s resignation as Alderson Broaddus University’s 9th President after proudly serving the institution for over four years. The Registry of College and University Presidents assisted with the search.
The Board of Trustees also announced the appointment of Dennis Edwin Stark as interim Chief Financial Officer. In this role, Stark will lead all financial activities for AB for a minimum of one year until a permanent CFO is appointed. He too will be on campus beginning Monday, December 7 to familiarize himself with the campus community and will officially take office on December 22.
In addition to Stark’s work in higher education, he has been Chief Financial Officer of five banks in four states. He earned his MBA from Harvard Business School and completed his Sanxay Fellowship in Economic Analysis and International Economics at Princeton University.
The search teams for these interim positions included members of the University board of trustees, staff, faculty, student body, and alumni council. Burbick commented that there was consensus on the individuals chosen, and the group strongly feels that they are the ideal fit to lead AB into the next phase.
