O’Brien Announces Promotions for Four Executive Council Members
Carson-Newman University President J. Randall O’Brien announced today that four members of the institution’s executive council have had their roles expanded and received appropriate changes to their titles.
“Beyond formality, adjusting the titles of these stellar colleagues is a reflection of their commitments to Carson-Newman,” said Dr. O’Brien. “Further, it rewards their outstanding service, their faithfulness to our mission of Christian higher education and the fact that each of them goes above and beyond the call of their job descriptions on a daily basis. I am blessed to serve Carson-Newman with each of them.”
Executive Vice President and Provost Paul Percy had senior managerial duties added to his job description. He joined Carson-Newman’s faculty in 2013 to direct the MBA and organizational leadership programs, and as the Ted Russell Distinguished Professor of Business, a role in which he remains. Named provost in 2015, he leads the faculty, including hires, promotions and development. He oversaw a University steering committee in the design and the Vision 2020 Strategic Plan and now directs its implementation. A retired officer of Knoxville’s 134th Air Refueling Wing, he came to Carson-Newman after serving 19 years at King University, where his roles included provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.
Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Ross Brummett, whose area now includes oversight of the Student Success Center, was promoted from vice president. He joined the religion faculty in 1987 as director of the Norton Institute of Christian Ministries. In that capacity he implemented an associate’s degree program, taught religion courses and advised students. He rose through faculty ranks to full professor and was recognized as Distinguished Professor in 2011, the same year O’Brien selected him to lead the Student Affairs Division. He has served on scores of both academic and student life committees and task forces, as well as being C-N’s NCAA faculty athletics representative for more than 15 years.
Vice President for Financial Affairs Martha Chambers will, along with new duties, continue her work as CFO. She became Carson-Newman’s comptroller in 2011 and was named CFO within six months of her arrival. She brought the University more than 30 years experience in business leadership, including serving as Tennessee Wesleyan College’s vice president of financial affairs. Prior to TWC, she was treasurer and business manager for Hiwassee College, where she had led the school’s management information systems and taught courses in both accounting and business. The CPA worked in public accounting before pursuing a career in academic finance.
Vice President for Athletics Allen Morgan will continue his role as athletics director, along with overseeing a newly bolstered athletic fundraising and marketing operation. Morgan returned to his alma mater as A.D. in 2012, following service on its Board of Trustees and illustrious careers in both public education and community development. His public school service included a long tenure as assistant principal before becoming principal of Powell High School. He served Knox County Schools as the system’s last elected superintendent and then first appointed superintendent. He retired and joined Clayton Homes to lead community engagement programs for some 22,000 households in planned communities around the country.
Scott Faulkenberry will join the cabinet August 15, when he assumes the role as vice president for Advancement. The former executive director of Jefferson County’s Economic Development Alliance has experience in raising economic development dollars, chamber of commerce support and institutional funds.
Founded in 1851, Carson-Newman is located in Jefferson City, Tennessee, among the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The University has over 2,600 students and offers 50 undergraduate majors, as well as associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees.
