For the first time in nearly two decades, Berry College is searching for a new president. The process began in April when Dr. Steve Briggs made public his plans to retire at the end of the 2024-25 academic year.
Briggs and wife Brenda have made Berry both their home and their mission since 2006, connecting deeply with all constituencies, but perhaps students most of all.
“We have had the joy of knowing thousands of students, with each generation forming Berry into its own vibrant and warm-hearted community,” Briggs related.
“The college is thriving, and I am excited about how we are elevating Berry’s distinctive student experience and exploring forward-looking programs and partnerships,” he added. “The years ahead are full of possibilities.”
Period of progress
Briggs’ presidency has been highlighted by significant growth in Berry’s stature and expanded academic offerings and residential capacity. Traditionally strong programs in the humanities, arts, sciences, business and education have been enhanced by continuing advancement in animal science and strategic additions in such areas as health sciences and creative technologies.
Unprecedented support by alumni and friends has fueled creation of the Gate of Opportunity Scholarship, Berry Center for Integrity in Leadership and other student-focused initiatives, along with construction and/or renovation of a dozen buildings including Morgan-Bailey Hall – a new home for health sciences – which broke ground in March.
These facilities offer ample space for students to pursue academic goals as well as extracurricular passions in music, theatre and intercollegiate athletics – the latter bolstered by the addition of nine varsity sports and Berry’s successful transition to NCAA Division III as a founding member of the Southern Athletic Association.
With Briggs’ leadership, Berry has strategically enhanced the beauty and utility of its campus through such collaborative ventures as The Spires at Berry continuing care retirement community, the Rome Tennis Center at Berry College and an adjacent Fairfield Inn.
Above all, he’s remained true to the college’s founding principles, a point of emphasis and praise for Trustee Chair Rick Gilbert (77c).
“Dr. Briggs has radically transformed Berry while deepening its commitment to the ideals of Martha Berry,” Gilbert reflected. “Throughout the years, he has earned the profound respect and trust of the Berry community, donors, trustees and local leaders. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for his dedicated service and wish him and Brenda all the best in a well-earned retirement.”
That sentiment was echoed by many in the Berry community who took to social media to voice their appreciation for Briggs’ leadership.
“I think by any objective measure [Steve Briggs] will be remembered among the pantheon of greats at Berry, certainly one of the most consequential chief executives Berry has had – and likely at the top of that short list as well,” lauded Alexander “Whit” Whitaker IV (81C, FFS), the former Berry chief of staff who retired this summer as president of King University. “His long tenure has been marked by improvement in almost every facet of the school, all the while remaining tethered to the values and vision that have guided Berry since its founding.
“When he arrived at Berry, I recall an old-timer saying that ‘Dr. Briggs certainly has Berry in his DNA.’ Truer words were never spoken, and we have all been the happy beneficiaries of that – the students most especially.”
Next steps
The search for the ninth president in Berry’s 122-year history is well underway, overseen by a search committee with representation from across the Berry community, including alumni and students. Leading this group is John Coleman (04C) of the Board of Trustees.
“As we work through the process of selecting the next president, we intend to gather extensive input from alumni, the Rome community, students, faculty, staff and other stakeholders,” Coleman explained. “Berry is in an incredibly strong position, and we expect to be able to attract the best talent available. No one can replace Steve, but we hope to find someone who can continue to lead us forward into a bright future while leaving their own distinctive mark on this school we love so much.”
Search updates will be shared on Berry’s website at berry.edu/presidential-search in the months ahead. You also can look for coverage in the Alumni Accent e-newsletter and the winter issue of Berry.
