After more than 17 years as president of the University of Mobile (UMobile), Mark Foley announced Oct. 8 that he will step down as head of the Baptist-affiliated college in 2016.
“Since accepting the position of president of the University of Mobile in 1998, it has been my determination that part of my responsibility is, at the appropriate time, to lead the institution carefully and effectively into the hands of my successor,” Foley said. “Just as in a relay race, the key to winning is an effective handoff. I believe now is the time to begin that handoff.”
Foley announced his retirement during the Oct. 8 meeting of the university’s board of trustees.
Board Chairman Terry Harbin said Foley came to UMobile during a critical transitional time and led the school through a period of significant growth.
“Dr. Foley led us to a much more solid spiritual and financial footing, while upgrading facilities, programs and the university’s stature in the community. Additionally through his influence, Dr. Foley has expanded the understanding of the university’s mission and goals far beyond the borders of our traditional Baptist constituency and into the community at large,” Harbin said.
In a letter to students, faculty and staff, Foley said he will continue as president until July 31, 2016, or until a successor is in place. Harbin said the board has formed a search committee and that the process to select the university’s fourth president is expected to take six to nine months.
Foley said, “Between now and then we will press our mission forward. Remember to win the race one must enter the hand-off zone at full stride.”
Foley has served as president of UMobile since 1998 and is the third president of the university since its founding in 1961. He led the move to intentionally integrate learning, faith and leadership in all areas of university life while raising academic standards, building new residence halls, establishing successful programs such as the Center for Performing Arts and leading the university to national rankings.
During his tenure the university invested $44.8 million in capital projects, including a recent $7 million campus enhancement program that was the most far-reaching campus-wide improvement of buildings and grounds since the 1970s.
Under Foley’s leadership, the university gained recognition in national rankings including U.S. News & World Report, America’s Best Christian Colleges, America’s Best College Buys, Military Friendly School, The 50 Best Christian Colleges in the U.S. and more.
(UMobile)
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