Judson College is the smallest of our three Alabama Baptist colleges, but it has been fortunate to have the quality leadership and the high character of David Potts,” said Jimmy Jackson, president of the Alabama Baptist State Convention.
It’s a distinction Judson has held for nearly 20 years.
Since Potts became president of the college July 1, 1990, almost every building on the campus in Marion has been rebuilt, as has the endowment. It is now approximately $14 million, noted Charles Dunkin, chairman of the board of trustees.
The trustees recognized Potts at their spring meeting May 6, presenting him with a crystal vase hand-etched with a likeness of the college’s Jewett Hall and a check for a family vacation.
Jackson presented Potts with a certificate of recognition on behalf of Alabama Baptists.
Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, praised Potts’ leadership.
“David Potts leads by example, and Judson College is all the better for it,” Lance said. “During his 20-year tenure, Judson has met the needs of numerous generations of students who have attended the college. Under his leadership as president, Judson has improved their facilities, enhanced their endowment, developed a quality faculty and, most importantly, made an eternal difference in the lives of students.”
Potts, a Birmingham native, earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Samford University in Birmingham and doctorate from the University of Alabama. He served as executive vice president for administration at Judson from 1987 until his election as president.
Reflecting on his tenure, Potts said he is grateful that the providence of God has sustained Judson in a time when many small institutions have been forced to greatly modify their mission. He also expressed gratitude to Alabama Baptists for their support of the college, even in the face of economic hardship.
“Judson College remains committed to Christian education and has become America’s Christian college for women,” Potts said, noting that it is the only college affiliated with both the Women’s College Coalition and Council for Christian Colleges & Universities.
Potts said he will always be proudest of the influence, faith and service of Judson graduates.
“The development of these young women represents the work of a lot of people, both faculty and staff, who do good work every day,” Potts said. “It’s been my privilege to serve along with them.”
As he looks to the future, Potts hopes that trustees, alumnae and others will pray that he and others who lead Judson would have the “vision to see God’s path for the college in the future.” Noting the recent additions of a baccalaureate degree in social work and a major in equine studies, Potts said he is “quite excited about ideas within the institution.”
“These new programs fit within our vision and purpose and offer growth and development opportunities to grow our students academically and to help them strengthen their faith.” (Michael Brooks contributed)
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