David E. Potts, chancellor of Judson College in Marion, died March 28 following a serious illness. Judson College officials reported he “passed away peacefully at home.”
The 67-year-old Potts served as Judson’s president from 1990 to early March 2018 when he announced his transition to chancellor.
Known for his mild manner and calm demeanor, Potts was a president who led by serving.
Charles Dunkin, chairman of the Judson board of directors, recalled one hot summer day when he pulled into campus to find Potts out in the hot sun in a “perfect white shirt and beautiful tie changing a tire on one of the students’ cars.”
“His whole focus was on the students,” Dunkin said. “It was always about them and not him.
“He knew every student by name and could carry on a conversation with any student about their family and something about them. He was a father and grandfather figure to so many of the students,” Dunkin said. “He probably was the most selfless person that you would ever find.”
Scott Bullard, who is currently serving as Judson’s interim president, added, “Dr. Potts had a deep understanding of educational, health care, and religious institutions that informed his service, but he also had the ability to relate to people on a personal level, meeting them where they were with the love of Christ.”
Born in Birmingham on July 1, 1950, Potts graduated from Samford University in 1972 and began serving his alma mater as an admissions representative. He would go on to become financial aid director while earning a master’s degree from Samford.
In 1980, Potts began service as Judson’s vice president for development. He briefly returned to Samford in 1985 before rejoining the Judson staff as executive vice president for administration in 1987. Potts earned the Doctor of Philosophy in the Administration of Higher Education from the University of Alabama in 1989 prior to his appointment as president of Judson in 1990.
An active member of Siloam Baptist Church, Marion, Potts worked diligently to strengthen the relationship that Judson, Samford and the University of Mobile share with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.
Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, described Potts as “a true statesman.”
“During the years I have known David Potts, I grew to appreciate him more and more,” Lance said.
“In our relationship as partners in ministry, he never surprised me with anything that might be problematic,” Lance said. “He was always the gracious gentleman and, more importantly, a devout follower of Christ.
“David Potts endeared himself to Alabama Baptists. There was a respect for him, as man of integrity, which was unquestioned.
“He will be missed by his family and by friends like me,” Lance said. “However, we are all glad we walked together with him during these years, and we are grateful to the Lord for giving us the loving leadership of David Potts.”
Potts is survived by his wife, Nora Beth Bloodworth Potts, daughters Kristin Potts Helton (John), Shannon Potts (Phil), sister Libby Potts (Dale Peterson), and grandchildren John David, Laura Beth, Teague, Levi, Patch, Gavin, Harper and Ryder.
A service honoring the life and legacy of Potts will be held in Judson’s Alumnae Auditorium on April 8 at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be sent to Judson College in Potts’ memory.
Letters of condolence may be sent to the President’s Office, Judson College, 302 Bibb Street, Marion, Alabama 36756. (TAB, JC)
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