The Brevard College Board of Trustees has voted to appoint Dr. Bradley J Andrews as the 14th president of Brevard College. Dr. Andrews will assume the presidency in January of 2022.
Described as personable and a humble leader, Dr. Andrews has more than 31 years of experience in private higher education. Dr. Andrews has served as the president of Southwestern College since July, 2015.
His appointment comes after a national search that identified a number of talented candidates who were all considered by the College’s Presidential Search Committee. “It was a unanimous vote among the Board of Trustees that Dr. Andrews is the best candidate to continue the hard work and dedication of Brevard College’s Mission. The College remains committed to our students’ experience through experiential education. The Board of Trustees, along with the new President, will be setting new strategic goals to boldly take Brevard College into the future with program offerings, retention initiatives, and overall experiential education experiences for our students,” said Heath Weldon, Chair of Brevard College Presidential Search Committee. “The Board of Trustees is confident that Dr. Andrews will continue with the trajectory and hard work established by the Rev. Dr. Joyce during his tenure.”
“I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to join such a committed and impressive team,” said Dr. Andrews. “The distinctive mission and talented people at the College, the vibrant spirit and hospitality of the Brevard community, the great success and strength that has been so diligently cultivated by President Joyce and the Board; this is a special college and Trish and I cannot imagine a better community.”
During Dr. Andrews’ tenure as president of Southwestern College, the college developed and executed a strategic plan directly addressing the college’s fiscal challenges, reaffirmed their accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, launched initiatives to pursue new programs, revenue streams, and public/private partnerships leading to cost savings while improving relationships with the city and regional communities.
Dr. Andrews holds a bachelor degree in English from the University of Missouri- Columbia, a Master’s in Education with a focus in Higher Education, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, from the University of Wisconsin- Madison. Dr. Andrews began his higher education career in Campus Life before transitioning into Vice President positions in Enrollment, Student Life, Academic Resources, Advancement, and Strategic Enrollment and Student Success before becoming President.
Andrews and his wife, Trish, have four children. They love being involved in the life of the college and staying active. Trish served 17 years in higher education leadership roles, including residence life, career services, and academic advising. Both Brad and Trish are marathon runners, and their children are similarly active. In addition to family, a warm and caring community is extremely important to Dr. Andrews, which is why they find Brevard College so appealing.
“We would like to thank President Joyce and his wife, Lynne, for their exemplary service to Brevard College,” added Weldon. “During David’s tenure, we have been fortunate to benefit from his wealth of experience, innovation, vision and passion. He guided the college to strong fiscal health, record enrollment growth and consistent student retention improvement. Both David and Lynne will be greatly missed.”
Weldon added, “we wish also to express our sincere thanks to the Presidential Search Committee and Advisory Committee, who in this process not only improved upon the expected timeline, but also exceeded expectations in the outstanding experience of our new president. We are excited about the future trajectory, and mission of Brevard College.”