Trustees of University of Mobile (UM) announced plans March 1 for interim leadership following the surprise resignation of former UM President Tim Smith on Feb. 25.
Current UM board of trustees chairman Fred Wilson was named interim president. David Conner will assume the role of chairman of the board of trustees. President Emeritus Mark Foley will serve as a consultant during the search for the university’s fifth president.
Smith had served as president of UM since April 2016. He cited personal reasons for his decision to step down effective immediately following his announcement to the board.
In announcing Smith’s resignation, Wilson praised the “significant accomplishments” made at UM under Smith’s tenure and said the board is “grateful for his leadership.” Under Smith’s leadership UM added doctoral and several other programs of study, built a state-of-the-art facility for health and science professions and grew in enrollment.
Wilson, who has served on UM’s board of trustees for over 12 years and was beginning his third term as chairman, immediately begins his role as interim president.
“The Board of Trustees is committed to building on the university’s forward momentum. Immediately having leadership in place who are already knowledgeable about the university will enable University of Mobile to continue its mission without missing a beat,” Wilson said.
Wilson previously served as a partner in P.J. Lumber Co. of Mobile, where he handled international sales and export marketing. He retired in 2017. Conner is an attorney with Blackburn & Connor P.C., headquartered in Bay Minette.
Foley served as UM president from 1998 until his retirement in 2016.
Under his leadership, the university invested millions in capital projects, added programs and integrated Christian service into campus culture. (UM, TAB)
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