Dr. Paul Percy named provost of University

^{Dr. Paul Percy}

(June 1, 2015) – Carson-Newman University President J. Randall O’Brien has announced that Knoxville’s Dr. Paul Percy will serve as the institution’s provost and chief academic officer. Percy succeeds Dr. Kina Mallard, who recently accepted the presidency at Reinhardt University in Waleska, Georgia.

“We are elated to have Dr. Percy assume the role of provost of our University,” said O’Brien. “He is a proven leader in the field of higher education with 19 years experience, including nine years as provost of a sister institution. Our faculty and staff have overwhelmingly endorsed Dr. Percy.“

Percy, who has served as interim provost since Mallard’s departure, joined Carson-Newman’s faculty in 2013 as the Ted Russell distinguished professor of business and director of the MBA and organizational leadership programs.

During his time at Carson-Newman the Buffalo, New York, native collaborated with the Department of Business to develop an adult-friendly Bachelor of Business Administration degree completion program. He also worked with an Institutional Effectiveness Committee, helping to finalize the reaccreditation process with The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

While serving at interim provost, Percy led Carson-Newman’s Steering Committee in the completion of the University’s Vision 2020 Strategic Plan.

“It is a tremendous privilege to be able to serve Carson-Newman as the provost and chief academic officer,” said Percy. “My daughter, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law are all graduates, and therefore I know first hand the quality education that Carson-Newman’s offers. I am committed that Carson-Newman live out its mission of helping students reach their full potential as educated citizens and worldwide servant-leaders.”

Percy came to Carson-Newman after serving 19 years at King University, most recently fulfilling the roles of provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. During his years at King, Percy was instrumental in developing growth opportunities for King in both the traditional and the adult and graduate student markets, helping the college to grow 400 percent over a 12-year period.

Percy is also a retired officer of the 134th Air Refueling Wing, McGhee Tyson Air National Guard, Knoxville, Tennessee. There he served as the Military Equal Opportunity Officer. Percy also spent eight years in commercial banking at M&T Bank and HSBC in Buffalo.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree in communication from Houghton College before earning his MBA from the University at Buffalo. He continued his education at the University of Kentucky where he received his PhD in management.

Percy and his wife Janet have three grown children, Paul, Jr., Rachel and Sarah.